Coexistence of increased arterial stiffness and interatrial block in overweight subjects

Background: Interatrial block (IAB) is an electrical conduction delay between the right and left atrium and is associated with some cardiovascular disorders. Arterial stiffness is a useful prognostic marker for cardiovascular events. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the coexistence of increased arterial stiffness and IAB in overweight subjects.

Methods: A total of 110 overweight people were enrolled (56 subjects with IAB, and 54 age- and gender-matched subjects without IAB) into the study. Surface 12-lead standard ECGs were recorded. I.E.M. Mobil-O-Graph ambulatory blood pressure monitor device was used to assess the arterial stiffness.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 54.1 ± 11.5 years, and 53.6% were male. PWV and Aix were significantly higher in IAB (+) group than IAB (-) group (9.34 ± 1.5 vs. 7.86 ± 1.3, p < .001; 29.18 ± 11.2 vs. 22.75 ± 10.4, p < .001, respectively), and also, positive linear correlation was observed between arterial stiffness parameters and P-wave duration (r = .758 for PWV; r = .682 for Aix, respectively).

Conclusion: The present study is the first to focus on evaluating the relationship between the presence of IAB and arterial stiffness in overweight subjects. If there is a coexistence of increased arterial stiffness and IAB in overweight subjects, it should be considered as requiring clinically closer follow-up.