International journal of cardiology
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The aim of the study was to assess if QT dispersion and RR interval on the standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) predict cardiac death and late arrhythmic events in postinfarction patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). QT dispersion on a standard electrocardiogram (ECG) is a measure of repolarization inhomogeneity, but its prognostic meaning in myocardial infarction (MI) survivors is unclear, especially in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. RR interval has been shown to predict mortality in post-MI patients, but its prognostic power has not been compared with other noninvasive risk factors. ⋯ Measurement of QT interval and dispersion 3 weeks after MI has no prognostic power in patients with LV dysfunction after a recent MI. RR interval on standard 12-lead ECG is as good a prognostic indicator as other, more expensive, noninvasive markers. These findings may be relevant in this era of limited health care resources.