The effect of Turkish bath on QT dispersion

Objective: It is known that QT intervals might differ from each other on electrocardiogram (ECG). It is also known that diversity of QT interval between derivations is an indicator of heterogeneity of repolarization and it is a leading electrophysiological cause of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden heart death. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the Turkish bath on QT dispersion. Methods: A total of 47 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the prospective study. The 12-lead ECG recordings were taken in all subjects before and after bath and QT dispersions were calculated. Blood pressure and the heart rate of each patient were recorded. QT dispersion was defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum QT intervals occurring in any of the 12 leads. Statistical analysis were performed using Wilcoxon rank test and paired t test. Results: The mean age was 49.47±11.64 years; range was between 23-70 years. The mean temperature of the bath was 39.72±1.75 °C, mean humidity percent was 84.42±4.74%. QTc dispersion were respectively determined as 0.047±0.025 sec and 0.047±0.019 sec (p=0.981) before and after bath. We determined no correlation between duration time at bath and QTc dispersion (r=-0.069 p=0.646). Conclusion: In our study we found no meaningful difference in QTc dispersion in individuals who take bath. Our study is the first study in which we evaluated QTc dispersion in high temperature and humidity environment of the bath and we did not determine any effect on QTc dispersion.