Signal averaged electrocardiography and renal function in hypertensive patients

Abnormal signal averaged electrocardiograms (SAECGs) and late ventricular potentials (LVPs) are predictors of sudden cardiac death. The present study hypothesized that SAECGs are impaired in hypertensive patients with renal failure. A total of 30 patients with grade 2 hypertension underwent SAECG. Serum level of creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were also assessed. At least one SAECG time-domain criteria was positive in 20 patients (67%) and 13 patients had at least two positive criteria (43%). Significant correlations and associations were obtained between SAECG criteria and creatinine and GFR, respectively. Impaired renal function was a sensitive and specific predictor of abnormal SAECGs and LVPs. An impaired renal function is significantly associated and predicts abnormal SAECGs and LVPs in hypertensive patients. Key-Words: Signal averaged electrocardiography, late ventricular potentials, hypertension, renal function