P-604: Psychological test and QTc interval in bus drivers

• Published in: American journal of hypertension 2005-05, Vol.18 (S4), p.227A-227A
• Main Authors: Zivkovic, Radmila R., Ugljesic, Mira B., Mijajlovic, Vesna M., Djokanovic, Maja V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Primary Prevention; Psychological Stress; QTc Interval
• ISSN: 0895-7061; 1941-7225; 1879-1905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjhyper.2005.03.621

Prolongation of the QTc interval is known to be a risk factor for ventricular arrhythmias. Furthermore psychological stress was confirmed as a significant trigger in prolonged QT interval. Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between QTc interval and psychological stress in hypertensive and normotensive proffesional bus drivers. Design and Methods: Heart rate and QTc interval obtained before and after psychological stress test in proffesional drivers during periodical medical check-ups in January nad February 2004. All test were performed at nine o clock. Blood pressure and 12-leads ECG performed before and after psychological test. Psychological stress test protocol was consisted of 5 min rest period and 5 min simulated driving test. Digitalized ECG used to calculate heart rate, QT and QTc interval duration before and after test. Results: Mean age was 39±9 years. There were 52 professional bus drivers. Nineteen bus drivers were hypertensives (mean blood pressure 143/95 mmHg) and thirty two were normotensives (mean blood pressure 118/80 mmHg). In hypertensive group heart rate before test was 74,89 and after test 82,89 (p=0,25). QTc interval before test was 403 ms and after test 410 ms. (p=0,36). In normotensive group heart rate befote test was 72,71 and after test 74,0 (p=0,76; ns). QTc interval before test was 407 ms, and after test 406 ms (p=0,81; ns). Conclusion: Psychological stress test in proffesional hypertensive bus drivers may prolonged QTc interval. These results suggest that QTc interval analized in risk proffesion may be important in primary prevention.