Table 4 Analysis of ECG parameters as predictors of mortality.

From: A normal electrocardiogram indicates a better prognosis in patients with moderate to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

ECG parameter

HR (95% CI)

P value

Heart rate

< 70 bpm

Reference parameter

 

70–90 bpm

1.182 (0.746–1.871)

0.476

> 90 bpm

1.577 (1.091–2.279)

0.015

QRS

≥ 120 ms

2.014 (1.263–3.213)

0.003

HR > 90 bpm + QRS ≥ 120 ms

2.743 (1.208–6.226)

0.016

Sinus rhythm

0.596 (0.329–1.079)

0.088

P-wave abnormalities1

2.089 (1.473–2.963)

< 0.001

QRS abnormality2

1.571 (1.117–2.209)

0.009

Poor R-wave progression

1.259 (0.896–1.770)

0.184

LVH

0.892 (0.468–1.699)

0.728

RVH

2.029 (1.272–3.236)

0.003

Signs of cor pulmonale3

2.423 (1.391–4.221)

0.002

Ischemic changes

1.439 (0.971–2.135)

0.070

Heart axis > 90°

1.353 (0.763–2.398)

0.301

Extrasystoles

1.809 (0.798–4.105)

0.156

Low QRS amplitude in limb leads

1.035 (0.543–1.971)

0.918

Normal ECG

0.369 (0.199–0.684)

0.002

  1. 1Including P. pulmonale, P. mitrale.
  2. 2Including bundle branch blocks and hemiblocks. nonspecific ventricular conductance abnormalities.
  3. 3Signs of cor pulmonale included both P pulmonale + RBBB and P pulmonale + RVH.
  4. Abbreviations: ECG, electrocardiogram; HR, heart rate; LVH, left ventricular hypertrophy; RVH, right ventricular hypertrophy.
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