QT dispersion in type 2 diabetic patients with altered diurnal blood pressure rhythm

Background: QT dispersion (QTd) is a good prognostic marker in type 2 diabetic patients without previous cardiovascular disease. Diabetic patients with an attenuated decline in nocturnal blood pressure (non-dippers) have been shown to have increased risk of diabetic complications, vascular events and mortality. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between diurnal blood pressure rhythm, QTd and microvascular complications in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: Cardiovascular autonomic function tests, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and urinary albumin excretion measurements were performed in healthy controls (n = 25), normoalbuminuric (n = 34) and microalbuminuric (n = 23) type 2 diabetic patients. QTd was assessed manually from 12-lead surface electrocardiograms. Results: Compared with the controls, both normoalbuminuric and microalbuminuric diabetic patients had increased QTd (59.11 ± 15.86; 60.27 ± 17.95 vs. 40.48 ± 10.92, p