Prevalence of J-Point Elevation in Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome Families

Nunn, L.M., Bhar-Amato, J., Lowe, M.D., Macfarlane, P.W., Rogers, P., McKenna, W.J., Elliott, P.M. and Lambiase, P. D. (2011) Prevalence of J-Point Elevation in Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome Families. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 58(3), pp. 286-290. (doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2011.03.028)

Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of J-point elevation among the relatives of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) probands. Background J-point elevation is now known to be associated with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation. We hypothesized that this early repolarization phenomenon is an inherited trait responsible for a proportion of otherwise unexplained SADS cases. Methods Families of SADS probands were evaluated in an inherited arrhythmia clinic. Twelve-lead electrocardiograms were analyzed for J-point elevation defined as > 0.1 mV from baseline present in 2 or more of the inferior (II, III, and aVF) or lateral (1, aVL, V(4) to V(6)) leads. Electrocardiographic data were compared with those of 359 controls of a similar age, sex, and ethnic distribution. Results A total of 363 first-degree relatives from 144 families were evaluated. J-point elevation in the inferolateral leads was present in 23% of relatives and 11% of control subjects (odds ratio: 2.54, 95% confidence interval: 1.66 to 3.90; p < 0.001). Conclusions J-point elevation is more prevalent in the relatives of SADS probands than in controls. This indicates that early repolarization is an important potentially inheritable pro-arrhythmic trait or marker of pro-arrhythmia in SADS

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Macfarlane, Professor Peter
• Authors: Nunn, L.M., Bhar-Amato, J., Lowe, M.D., Macfarlane, P.W., Rogers, P., McKenna, W.J., Elliott, P.M., and Lambiase, P. D.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Journal of the American College of Cardiology
• Publisher: Elsevier Inc.
• ISSN: 0735-1097