The Association of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components with Electrocardiogram Parameters and Abnormalities Among an Iranian Rural Population: The Fasa PERSIAN Cohort Study

Abstract

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) as a set of cardiac risk factors and its growing prevalence is one of the major concerns in different societies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between Mets and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters and abnormalities as indicators for subclinical cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Methods

In this sub-analysis study, we used the data from Fasa PERSIAN Cohort Study which includes subjects age 35–70 years. Subjects with available ECG data included in the study (n=7002) and subjects with missing data on MetS components and non-sinus rhythm ECG were excluded (n=44). The MetS definition based on the Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III guidelines and also a 12-lead ECG was obtained from all participants.

Results

Our study population (n=6958) showed a mean age of 48.60±9.34 years and also 1656 (24.2%) subjects had MetS. Except for P duration, PR interval and S amplitude in men and P amplitude, S amplitude, Sokolow-Lyon Index, and QT interval in women, other ECG parameters differ significantly between subjects with and without Mets (P<0.05). Also among ECG abnormalities, prolonged P duration (≥120ms), QRS duration (≥100ms), and QTc interval (>450ms in male, >470ms in female) had a significant association with MetS in the total population. Waist circumferences (WC) showed the most count of significant relationship with ECG parameters in both genders. In males, WC more than ATP cut-points had significant associations with prolonged P and QRS duration, and also blood pressure (BP) had significant associations with prolonged P and QRS durations and QTc interval. In females, the MetS component except triglyceride had at least a significant relationship with prolonged P and/or QRS duration.

Conclusion

MetS and its component especially WC and BP were associated with ECG parameters and abnormalities. These associations with ECG as a marker of subclinical CVD showed the importance of MetS and each component in our population to monitor in the further longitudinal studies.

Keywords:

• electrocardiogram
• metabolic syndrome
• P wave
• QRS complex
• QTc interval

Data Sharing Statement

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request to the corresponding author.

Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate

The study protocol was following the Helsinki Declaration and confirmed by the Ethics Committee of Fasa University of Medical Sciences (Approval Code: IR.FUMS.REC. 1399.019). The participants were informed about the research objectives and the written informed consent was obtained from the subjects before starting the survey.

Acknowledgments

The authors appreciate All people that patiently contributed to this study and Fasa University of Medical Sciences for supports of this work.

Author Contributions

All authors made substantial contributions to conception and design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data; took part in drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content; agreed to submit to the current journal; gave final approval of the version to be published; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

The authors did not receive any specific funding in this study.