Prevalence of J-point elevation in sudden arrhythmic death syndrome families
LM Nunn, J Bhar-Amato, MD Lowe… - Journal of the American …, 2011 - jacc.org
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2011•jacc.org
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 …
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 …
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, V4 to V6) 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.
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