Long term follow up of the early repolarization pattern in participants in the West of Scotland Coronary Prevention study

The West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study was a primary prevention trial aimed at assessing the effects of pravastatin in middle aged males with hypercholesterolemia but no history of myocardial infarction. As part of that study, baseline 12 lead ECGs were recorded in digital form around 1990. The aim of the present study was to analyse these ECGs to look for the early repolarization pattern (ERP) and to see if there was any adverse outcome associated with ERP during 15 years of follow up. At baseline, 6595 men aged 45-64 (mean age 55.2 ± 5.5) were recruited. Subsequent hospitalizations and/or death were recorded centrally. Twelve lead ECGs were recorded and stored on a Mingocare system. 6575 ECGs were recently retrieved and analysed with the University of Glasgow ECG Analysis Program, which incorporates criteria for the detection of ERP. A health census of participants was taken 15 years after entry into the study. Analysis was undertaken of the diference in outcome for those with versus those without ERP. ERP was found in 1398 cases. Kaplan-Meier analysis of the J 5 year outcomes data showed no significant diference between those with and without ERP for the outcome of i) non-fatal myocardial infarction or coronary heart disease death, and ii) all cause mortality (P=0.65).