Fragmentation of the QRS complex in patients with acute coronary syndrome treated invasively

Abstract

Background: Previous studies showed that the presence of fragmented QRS (f-QRS) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), who underwent complete revascularisation, is associated with worse prognosis and the possibility of arrhythmia occurrence.

Aim: To assess the prognostic value of f-QRS in patients with ACS and complete revascularisation, in the context of cardiac ar­rhythmias.

Methods: We analysed 124 consecutive patients (66.1% males; mean age 62.38 ± 11.0 years) with ACS (STEMI 49%) treated invasively. Based on electrocardiogram (ECG) record, performed during the admission to the clinic, after the complete revascularisation (TIMI = 3) and during discharging from hospital (4th–5th days after ACS), we classified QRS as f-QRS based on generally accepted criteria (QRS < 120 ms, which included an additional R wave [R’]) or notching in the nadir of the S wave, or > 1 R’ (fragmentation) in two contiguous leads, corresponding to a major coronary artery territory. 24-h Holter ECG recording was performed on the fifth day after ACS to assess the frequency of conduction disturbances and others arrhythmias.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences between patients with and without f-QRS during hospitalisation. In the patients with f-QRS there were no statistically significant conduction disturbances and other arrhythmias compared to patients without f-QRS at discharge.

Conclusions: In the patients with ACS, who underwent successful revascularisation (TIMI = 3), the presence of f-QRS is not correlated with a higher incidence of arrhythmias compared to patients without f-QRS in short-term follow-up.