Increased QTc Dispersion Is Related to Blunted Circadian Blood Pressure Variation in Normoalbuminuric

A reduced nocturnal fall in blood pressure (BP) and increased QT dispersion both predict an increased risk of cardiovascular events in diabetic as well as non-diabetic subjects. The relationship between these two parameters remains unclear. The role of diabetic auto-nomic neuropathy in both QT dispersion and circadian BP variation has been proposed, but data have been conflicting. The aim of the present study was to describe associations between QT dispersion and circadian BP variation as well as autonomic function in type 1 dia-betic patients. In 106 normoalbuminuric (urinary albumin excretion <20 mg/min) normotensive patients, we performed 24-h ambulatory BP (Spacelabs 90207) and short-term (three times in 5 min) power spectral analysis of RR interval oscillations, as well as cardiovas