The prevalence of prolonged QTc increases by GOLD stage, and is associated with worse survival among subjects with COPD

Abstract Background The role of QTc-prolongation, in relation to the increased mortality in COPD, is unclear. Objectives To estimate the prevalence and prognostic impact, assessed as mortality, of QTc-prolongation in COPD, restrictive spirometric pattern (RSP), and normal lung function (NLF), respectively. Methods All individuals ( n  = 993) with COPD and age- and sex-matched non-obstructive referents were identified from well-defined population-based cohorts examined in Northern Sweden in 2002–04. In 2005, the study-sample was invited to re-examination including ECG; QTc was calculated and mortality data collected until 31st December 2010. Results The prevalence of QTc-prolongation was higher among people with RSP than among those with NLF and, although similar in NLF and COPD, the prevalence increased by COPD-severity. Among participants with COPD, those with QTc prolongation had higher mortality than those with normal QTc, while no such differences were found among participants with NLF or RSP. Conclusion Among participants with COPD, the prevalence of QTc-prolongation increased by disease-severity and was associated with mortality.