Prolonged QTc interval predicts all-cause mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: an association driven by high inflammatory burden

Abstract

A 50-ms increase in QTc interval associates with a doubling of the hazard for all-cause mortality in patients with RA. The observed contemporary association of QTc with CRP levels indicates a potentially hazardous interplay between inflammation and arrhythmogenesis. Future studies are needed to confirm the above findings and explore underlying mechanisms.