Objectives: To evaluate the relation between premature ventricular complexes morphology and left ventricular myocardial systolic function in patients with proved coronary artery disease.
Setting: Department of Cardiology at General Hospital.
Methods: From 112 patients (pts) with proved coronary artery disease, thirty-three pts with premature ventricular complexes (PVC) detected during treadmill exercise stress test were selected. Two groups of pts were considered: group I-20 pts with regular contour or with a narrow notching (< 40 ms; type I PVC) and group II-13 patients with wide notching (> 40 ms; type II PVC). In each group the following parameters were studied: ejection fraction, QRS duration, duration of exercise, number of metabolic units and the prevalence of ventricular aneurysm and mitral regurgitation.
Results: Statistical significant differences were found between group I and II concerning the mean ejection fraction (59.2% vs 48.6%; p < 0.05). The prevalence of ventricular aneurysm and mitral regurgitation was higher in patients with type II ventricular premature complexes (10% vs 30%).
Conclusion: Particular characteristics of premature ventricular complexes detected during treadmill exercise stress test, in patients with proved coronary artery disease, suggest the presence of left ventricular myocardial systolic dysfunction.