QT interval prolongation in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a report in northwest China

AIMS: QT interval prolongation is common in patients with stroke and increases the risk of malignant arrhythmia and sudden death. Our aim was to analyze differences in the QT interval and electrocardiogram abnormalities between acute ischemic stroke patients and controls. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from 273 patients with acute ischemic stroke from the neurological intensive care unit and 495 controls from other departments. A standard 12-lead electrocardiogram was recorded within 24 hours of hospitalization. Clinical information, the QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc), and the incidence of electrocardiogram abnormalities were compared between groups. RESULTS: There was no difference in age, sex, or the prevalence of hypertension or diabetes mellitus between the acute ischemic stroke group and controls. Acute ischemic stroke patients showed a significantly longer QTc and a higher incidence of both sinus bradycardia and ST-T changes compared with controls. We also showed that the changes in electrocardiogram results observed in acute ischemic stroke might be transient. CONCLUSION: Acute ischemic stroke patients may have a longer QT interval and a higher incidence of electrocardiogram abnormalities. In clinical practice, careful attention should be paid to acute ischemic stroke patients to prevent malignant arrhythmia.