Abstract
Introduction: Fragmented QRS (fQRS) is a marker of depolarization abnormality due to in homogenous electrical activation of the infarcted ventricular myocardium. However, it is a nonspecific finding and can be present in persons without the cardiovascular disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of the fQRS in subjects without cardiovascular disease.
Materials and Methods: 417 patients were included in the study. All participants were evaluated with the history, physical examination and 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG) along with 2-dimensional echocardiography. Criteria used in the diagnosis of fQSR include additional spikes within the QRS complex, the presence of additional R wave, notching in the S wave, the presence of R’ more than two contiguous leads corresponding a major coronary artery on the resting 12-lead ECG.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference between two groups with respect to age, body mass index, smoking habits, cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglyceride levels. Percentage of fQRS was statistically significantly higher in males compared to females (p=0.03). QRS duration and Glucose level were significantly higher in patients with fQRS than those of the control subjects (p<0.001 for both comparisons). fQRS showed strong positive correlation with QRS duration and plasma glucose levels (r=0.437; p<0.001 and r=0.202 and p<0.001, respectively).
Conclusions: fQRS is not an uncommon finding in subjects without cardiovascular disease. Increased glucose levels could be one of the mechanisms that cause the formation of fQRS in those subjects.

Key words: Electrocardiogram, fragmented QRS, incidence