Fragmented QRS is associated with hyperglycemia and low HDL levels in Novosibirsk residents (part of the ESSE-RF-3)

Objective. To study the associations of fragmented QRS (fQRS) with cardiometabolic risk factors in a sample of Novosibirsk residents. Material and methods. There were 982 residents of Novosibirsk (477 (48.6%) men) aged 35-74 years. Survey program included demographic and social data, anthropometry, blood pressure and electrocardiography. Cardiometabolic risk factors were determined according to appropriate criteria (2013). The fQRS of the lower left ventricular wall was used. Results. There was fQRS in 119 people (12.1%). It was more common in men (83/477 (17.4%) vs. 36/505 (7.1%), p<0.001), in patients with high blood pressure (62/425 (14.6%) vs. 57/557 (10.2%), p=0.038), high triglycerides (51/307 (16.6%) vs. 68/675 (10.1%), p=0.004) and glucose (53/295 (18.0%) vs. 66/687 (9.6%), p<0.001), low HDL cholesterol (28/143 (19.6%) vs. 91/839 (10.8%), p=0.003). The risk of fQRS was higher in patients with hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, reduced serum HDL cholesterol and hyperglycemia. Fragmented QRS was associated with male sex, HDL ≥6.1 mmol/l, HDL cholesterol <1.0 mmol/l in men and <1.2 mmol/l in women regardless of other risk factors. Conclusion. Fragmented QRS is more common in men and associated with hyperglycemia and low HDL cholesterol regardless of other risk factors. Our results emphasize the role of integrated assessment of significant indicators of myocardial fibrosis.