Title | A prospective evaluation of the risk of QT prolongation with hormone replacement therapy: the atherosclerosis risk in communities study. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2003 |
Authors | Carnethon MR, Anthony MS, Cascio WE, Folsom AR, Rautaharju PM, Liao D, Evans GW, Heiss G |
Journal | Ann Epidemiol |
Volume | 13 |
Issue | 7 |
Pagination | 530-6 |
Date Published | 2003 Aug |
ISSN | 1047-2797 |
Keywords | Arteriosclerosis, Cohort Studies, Electrocardiography, Estrogen Replacement Therapy, Female, Humans, Long QT Syndrome, Longitudinal Studies, Middle Aged, Prospective Studies, United States |
Abstract | PURPOSE: Prolongation of the QT interval is associated with an increased risk of arrhythmia, coronary heart disease (CHD), and mortality. Estrogens and androgens have been proposed as a causal factor in QT lengthening. We tested whether postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy was associated with prolonged QT intervals in a healthy population sample of women (mean age=54). METHODS: Women (n=3103) were asked about estrogen (ERT) and progestin plus estrogen (PERT) replacement therapy use at 4 examinations over 9 years. Electrocardiographic QT intervals were measured and corrected for heart rate using the QT Index (QTI) and Bazett's correction. QT prolongation was defined as QTI>110% and a change from baseline of >or=4%. RESULTS: Heart rate corrected QT length was moderately but significantly (p CONCLUSIONS: The potential for slight increases in QT length over time, and an increased risk of QT prolongation with ERT use identified in this observational study, are important concerns that should be further explored in randomized trials. |
DOI | 10.1016/s1047-2797(03)00050-4 |
Alternate Journal | Ann Epidemiol |
PubMed ID | 12932629 |
Grant List | 5 R01 HL55669 / HL / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States 5T32HL07034-26 / HL / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States N01-HC-55016 / HC / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States N01-HC-55018 / HC / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States N01-HC-55019 / HC / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States N01-HC-55021 / HC / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States N01-HC-55022 / HC / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States N01-HC-55105 / HC / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States |