Incidence of Ventricular Arrhythmias in Association with Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony in Chronic Ischemic Patients

Abstract
Background: Intra ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony may play an important role in ventricular arrhythmogenesis in chronic ischemic patients.
Aim of the Study: To detect the prevalence of ventricular arrhythmia in chronic ischemic patients in association with left ventricular dyssynchrony assessed by left ventricular longitudinal strain.
Methods: The study included 50 patients with ischemic heart disease confirmed by coronary angiography. Speckle tracking echocardiography was performed. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to presence or absence of left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony, considering difference in time to peak ³130ms by longitudinal strain between any two opposing segment at basal and mid level in LV 12 segments positive for mechanical dyssynchrony. Every patient in both groups underwent 24 hours holter monitoring for detection of ventricular arrhythmia.
Results: The study results showed that there were 45 males and 5 females. Mean age ±SD was 51.00±7.06 years. Mean heart rate was 76.92±13.29 beat/minute. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group I included 40 patients with left ventricular dyssynchrony and mean time to peak SD was 102.5±34.16m sec and Group II included 10 patients without left ventricular dyssynchrony and mean time to peak SD was 82.3±45.1msec. 24 hours ECG Holter monitoring data showed that there was higher incidence of ventricular runs in Group I with positive dyssynchrony patients (47.5%) than those in Group II with negative dyssynchrony patients (20%).
Conclusion: Left ventricular dyssynchrony assessed by left ventricular longitudinal strain could be a predictor for increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia.