Investigation of the frequency and relationship of fragmented QRS in patients with ischemic stroke Fragmented QRS in patients with ischemic stroke

Aim: Acute ischemic stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Fragmented QRS (fQRS) is a depolarization disorder, which may be easily detected in 12-lead superficial electrocardiography (ECG), which displays a conduction delay caused by myocardial fibrotic tissue. Although the association of fQRS with ischemic heart disease is well known, there is no clear information about its relationship with ischemic stroke. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between fQRS and ischemic stroke.Material and Methods: Seventy consecutive patients with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke and 48 healthy individuals were included in this cross-sectional study. Baseline demographic and echocardiographic characteristics were recorded, and surface 12-lead standard ECGs were used.Results: The mean age of the patients was 65.19±13.91 years, and 46.6% were male. The number of patients with fQRS in the ischemic stroke group was greater than in the control group (p = 0.009). In multiple logistic regression analysis, left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) (p = 0.013, Odds ratio (OR) = 4.284, 95% Confidence interval (C.I.) = 1.366–13.432), and left atrium diameter (p = 0.020, OR = 3.985, 95% C.I. = 1.240–12.803) were found to be independent predictors of ischemic stroke.Discussion: The current study was the first to focus on evaluating the relationship between fQRS and ischemic stroke. In light of these results, we can say that patients with fQRS, who had lower LVEF, greater LVESD, and larger left atrium represent a high-risk group for ischemic stroke. fQRS may be utilized in a follow-up of these patients and in any consideration of early anticoagulation treatment