Body mass index is a predictor of presence of fragmented QRS complexes on electrocardiography independent of underlying cardiovascular status

Background

Fragmented QRS (fQRS) as a sign of myocardial fibrosis indicates adverse outcomes in various cardiovascular diseases. However, there are no clear data regarding relationship between obesity and fQRS. We aimed to investigate whether high body mass index (BMI) predicts fQRS on electrocardiography (ECG) independent of underlying cardiovascular status.

Methods

A total of 1530 patients were included into the study. Patients were divided into three groups according to BMI (normal, overweight and obese). Groups were compared regarding frequency of fQRS on ECG and we investigated the correlation between BMI and fQRS.

Results

Among study population, 841 patients had normal BMI, 402 patients were overweight, and 287 patients were obese. Obese patients had significantly higher frequency of fQRS on ECG compared to non-obese patients (p?

Conclusion

BMI predicts fQRS independent of underlying cardiovascular status. Similar to cardiovascular diseases, BMI should be taken into consideration when using fQRS as a prognostic marker.