Key result
Luteal phase linked to ~16% greater P wave dispersion versus the follicular phase.
Why the study?
Does the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle increase P wave dispersion compared to the follicular phase in women?
Observational (n=112)
Single-blind
No
Does the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle increase P wave dispersion compared to the follicular phase in women?
P wave dispersion, an electrocardiographic predictor of atrial fibrillation, is significantly increased during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle compared to the follicular phase.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May not alter AF risk assessment by cycle phase; leaves open need for longitudinal arrhythmia outcome studies.
Female gender is an independent risk factor for some types of arrhythmias. We sought to determine whether the menstrual cycle affects P wave dispersion, which is a predictor of atrial fibrillation. The study population consisted of 59 women in follicular phase (mean age, 29.3 ± 7.7 years) (group F) and 53 women in luteal phase (mean age, 28.1 ± 6.8 years) (group L). The ECGs of 35 patients (mean age, 26.4 ± 4.5) were obtained in both follicular and luteal phase. Both groups underwent a standard 12-lead surface electrocardiogram recorded at 50 mm/s. Maximal (Pmax) and minimal P wave durations (Pmin) were measured. P wave dispersion (PD) was defined as the difference between Pmax and Pmin. PD was significantly higher in group L than group F (46.6 ± 18.5 versus 40.1 ± 12.7; P < 0.05). Pmin was significantly lower in group L than group F (51.6 ± 12.1 versus 59.1 ± 12.1; P = 0.002). When we compared ECGs in different phases of the 35 patients, PD was significantly higher in luteal phase than follicular phase (53.2 ± 12.3 versus 42.8 ± 10.2; P < 0.05). Pmin was significantly lower in luteal phase than follicular phase (47.6 ± 6.6 versus 56 ± 10.1; P = 0.05). We detected a significant correlation between the day of the menses and PD (r = 0.27; P < 0.05). PD was increased in luteal phase compared to follicular phase, and this difference was more prominent as the days of the cycle progressed.
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Karabağ et al. (2011) conducted an observational in Healthy women with regular menstrual cycles (n=112). Luteal phase vs. Follicular phase was evaluated on P wave dispersion (PD) (p=<0.05). P wave dispersion was significantly increased during the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase (46.6 vs 40.1 ms, p<0.05), indicating potential electrophysiological changes across the menstrual cycle.
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