Accuracy of mobile 6-lead electrocardiogram device for assessment of QT interval: a prospective validation study

Introduction: Ambulatory assessment of the heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc) can be of diagnostic value, for example in patients on QTc-prolonging medication. Repeating sequential 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) to monitor the QTc is cumbersome, but mobile ECG (mECG) devices can potentially solve this problem. As the accuracy of single-lead mECG devices is reportedly variable, a multilead mECG device may be more accurate.

Methods: This prospective dual-centre study included outpatients visiting our cardiology clinics for any indication. Participants underwent an mECG recording using a smartphone-enabled 6‑lead mECG device immediately before or immediately after a conventional 12-lead ECG recording. Multiple QTc values in both recordings were manually measured in leads I and II using the tangent method and subsequently compared.

Results: In total, 234 subjects were included (mean ± standard deviation (SD) age: 57 ± 17 years; 58% males), of whom 133 (57%) had cardiac disease. QTc measurement in any lead was impossible due to artefacts in 16 mECGs (7%) and no 12-lead ECGs. Mean (± SD) QTc in lead II on the mECG and 12-lead ECG was 401 ± 30 and 406 ± 31 ms, respectively. Mean (± SD) absolute difference in QTc values between both modalities was 12 ± 9 ms (r = 0.856; p < 0.001). In 55% of the subjects, the absolute difference between QTc values was < 10 ms.

Conclusion: A 6-lead mECG allows for QTc assessment with good accuracy and can be used safely in ambulatory QTc monitoring. This may improve patient satisfaction and reduce healthcare costs.