| dc.description.abstract | Objectives: We investigated the effect of anthropometric and autonomous factors on the QT interval in both sexes. Study design: The study included 237 individuals (114 males, 123 females) who were asymptomatic and had no abnormal laboratory or physical findings. The mean age was 47 years (range 20 to 79 years) for men, and 39 years (range 20 to 71 years) for women. All the participants were subjected to a careful history taking, physical examination, routine biochemical examinations, electrocardiographic recording, 24-hour Holter monitoring, and when necessary, color Doppler echocardiography and treadmill exercise test. Serum estrogen levels, serum free and total testosterone levels were also measured in males. Results: The minimum QT interval was significantly lower in males (p=0.043). The mean QT (p=0.022) and QTc (p<0.001) intervals in females, and QT dispersion in males (p=0.025) were significantly higher. In male participants, the maximum QT interval (p=0.049) and QT dispersion (p=0.043) were significantly different between age groups of 20-44 years and 45-69 years. Parasympathetic activity played a determinant role in the mean and maximum QT intervals. Anthropometric features were not correlated with the QT interval in females, whereas in males, waist-hip ratio was positively correlated with the mean QT and minimum QTc intervals (r=0.188, p=0.049 and r=0.236, p=0.013, respectively). Serum sex hormone levels were significantly effective on the QT interval in males. Conclusion: Concerning anthropometric and autonomic factors, the QT interval is significantly influenced by gender-related features. | en_US |
