Aim: Our aim was to: 1. compare QT dispersion from routine ECG in diabetic and no-diabetic patients with congestive heart failure, 2. describe associations between QT dispersion and circadian blood (BP) pressure variation in type 2 diabetic patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Patients and methods: 122 patients admitted to hospital due to CHF in the period between years 2000 - 2001 have been divided into 2 groups: group 1: 70 patients (m: 40, f: 30, mean age 64.7 ± 9 years) with type II diabetes mellitus (DM), group 2: 52 patients (m: 28, f: 24, mean age 62.5 ± 10.9 years) without DM. Diagnosis of CHF was made clinically and proved by ECG and ECHO (EF < 40 %). DM was defined clinically or by using oral glucose tolerance test (75 g glucose, 2 h blood glucose > 11.1 mmol/l). The QT interval was measured from the beginning of the QRS complex to the end of the T wave from routine 12-lead ECG. QT intervals were corrected for heart rate using Bazett´s formula. QT dispersion (QTd) and rate corrected QT dispersion (QTc) were defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum QT and QTc intervals, respectively. Ambulatory blood pressure (AMBP) was measured by an oscillometic technique. Diabetic patients with CHF were divided both according to below and above the median QTc dispersion (65 ms). Statistical analysis: Chi-square and Student's t-test. Significant differences were assumed of p < 0.05. Results: Both groups were matched by gender, age, duration and intensity of hypertension, the presence and intensity of obesity, hyperlipidemia (TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C) and smoking habits. Diabetic patients with CHF had significantly longer QTc interval (maximum and minimum), QT dispersion and QTc dispersion compared with non-diabetic patients with CHF. Diabetic patients with CHF with QTc dispersion > 65 ms had significantly higher night systolic (133 ± 14 vs. 112 ± 14) and diastolic (80 ± 11 vs. 65 ± 6) BP and significantly higher night/day ratio for both systolic (0.94 ± 0.05 vs. 0.86 ± 0.06) and diastolic (0.89 ± 0.07 vs. 0.80 ± 0.05) compared with diabetic patients with CHF with QTc dispersion < 65 ms. Conclusion: Diabetic patients with CHF are higher risk than non-diabetic. Our data describe both factors related to cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients with CHF-prolongation of the QT and QTc dispersion and reduced nocturnal blood pressure.

        Key words: QT dispersion - Congestive heart failure - Diabetes mellitus - Ambulatory monitoring blood pressure