T Wave and QRS Complex Alternans During Stress ECG Testing According to the Presence or Absence of Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well recognised cardiovascular risk factor, associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Microvolt T wave alternans (TWA) and to some extent alternans of the QRS complex (QRSA) during stress ECG testing have the ability to detect patients at an increased risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD). The results about the influence of DM on TWA during stress testing are controversial, and studies regarding QRSA values during stress ECG testing according to the presence or absence of DM are lacking. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the influence of DM on TWA and QRSA during stress ECG testing.