Association between Triglyceride Glucose Index and Corrected QT Prolongation in Chinese Male Steelworkers

Abstract

Objectives: Increased triglyceride glucose (TyG) index appears to be linked to carotid and coronary atherosclerosis and calcifications and possesses an elevated future risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Corrected QT (QTc) interval prolongation is associated with ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, and a high prevalence of prolonged QTc interval was previously reported in blue-collar workers. The purpose of this study was to find the possible causal inter-relationship between TyG index and QTc interval in a large population of Chinese male steelworkers. Methods: A total of 3189 male workers from two steel plants were enrolled. They responded to a cross-sectional questionnaire on basic attributes and lifestyle, including sleep patterns. All workers in the two plants underwent periodic health checkups, including twelve-lead electrocardiography. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to assess the direct and indirect effects of TyG index on QTc interval. Results: With increasing TyG index tertile, the male steelworkers had an increased QTc interval. Applying multivariate analysis, TyG index was associated independently with the odds of QTc prolongation (adjusted odds ratio = 2.73, 95% confidence interval = 1.39–5.24, p = 0.004). SEM revealed that TyG index, hypertension, obesity, lifestyle, white blood cell (WBC) count, and liver function had statistically significant direct effects on QTc interval. Furthermore, TyG index also had an indirect effect on QTc interval through hypertension, obesity, WBC count, and liver function. Moreover, lifestyle had an indirect effect on QTc interval through TyG index. The final model explained 14% of the variability in QTc interval. Conclusions: An increased TyG index was associated with QTc interval prolongation in this study, and SEM delineated possible causal pathways and inter-relationships of the risk factors contributing to the occurrence of QTc prolongation among Chinese male steelworkers.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Is Related to Abnormal Corrected QT Interval and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Chinese Male Steelworkers

“…In addition, serum concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), uric acid, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were also measured. A parallel, multichannel analyzer (Hitachi 7170A, Tokyo, Japan) was used for all measurements [ 22 ], and an automated cell counter (XE-2100, Sysmex Corp., Kobe, Japan) was used to measure the peripheral leukocyte count. The CKD-EPI study equation was used to assess renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) in our male blue-collar workers as follows [ 23 ]: GFR = 141 × min(S cr /κ, 1) α × max(S cr /κ, 1) −1.209 × 0.993 Age , where S cr is serum creatinine (mg/dL); κ is 0.9; α is −0.411, and min/max indicate the minimum/maximum of S cr /κ or 1.…”

Association of Chinese Visceral Adiposity Index and Carotid Atherosclerosis in Steelworkers: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…As steel industry in an important pillar industry in China, the health of steelworkers cannot be ignored. According to related studies, steelworkers may have a higher prevalence of CAS compared with the general population due to their exposure to special risk factors such as high temperature, noise, and shift work in the production environment [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Therefore, it is particularly important to find a simple and effective predictor.…”

Effect of insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness on cardiac functions in older adults

“…In their study, Bos et al found that serum and hepatic triglyceride levels were in patients with short sleep duration, but the significance disappeared after adjusting for BMI and sleep apnea. 38,41 Although there was no difference between the groups in the BMI values, and patients with sleep apnea were not included in our study, serum triglyceride levels were higher in the insomnia group. The possible mechanism, as shown in a previous study, may be due to the fact that shorter sleep times alter serum leptin and ghrelin levels, and to patients' excessive tendency to consume carbohydrate-rich foods and increased insulin resistance.…”

“…In a recent study, Lee et al . have revealed a significant relationship between high triglyceride levels and QTc 38 . Furthermore, the previous studies demonstrated that arrhythmias are related to proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 and C‐reactive protein by the modulation of ion‐channel function 39,40 and aggravation of the sympathetic system 39 .…”

“…37 In a recent study, Lee et al have revealed a significant relationship between high triglyceride levels and QTc. 38 Furthermore, the previous studies demonstrated that arrhythmias are related to proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein by the modulation of ion-channel function 39,40 and aggravation of the sympathetic system. 39 High triglyceride and heart rate values in the insomnia group suggested that the detrimental effect on myocardial ion channels caused by increased sympathetic activation and insulin resistance may cause the prolongation.…”