A negative T-wave in electrocardiogram at 50 years predicted lifetime mortality in a random population-based cohort

Abstract

Background: Severe electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities in asymptomatic subjects correlate with cardiovascular risk. Hypothesis: The role of minor ECG abnormalities is less well-known. We evaluated the association between a negative T-wave and mortality, as a possible marker for prognosis. Methods: A prospective, population-based cohort, examined at 50 years, and followed until death. Time to death (event rates) and predictive role of a negative T-wave (Cox regression) were analyzed. Results: Participants (n = 839) with a negative T-wave (7.3%) had significantly higher blood pressure (BP) (mean systolic 157.9 mmHg vs 136.8 mmHg without negative T-wave, P =