Influence of Sex Hormones Variation During Third Trimester of Pregnancy and Post-partum on QT Interval Duration
Influence of Sex Hormones Variation During Third Trimester of Pregnancy and Post-partum on QT Interval Duration
QT interval prolongation, corrected for heart rate (QTc), either spontaneous or drug-induced,
 is associated with an increased risk of torsades de pointes and sudden death. Women are at
 higher risk of torsades de pointes, particularly during post-partum and the follicular phase.

 The aim of this study is to explore if QTc duration is prolonged during post-partum as
 compared to the 3rd trimester of pregnancy
Sex steroid hormones are known to influence heart repolarization. Overall, estradiol is
 considered to promote QTc lengthening while progesterone and testosterone shorten QTc. New
 findings suggest more complex regulation of QTc by sex steroid hormones involving also
 follicle-stimulating hormone, which is associated to prolongation of QTc. Another important
 aim of this study is to study the influence of sex hormones on QTc duration.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Adult (>18 yo) pregnant women in their third trimester

 -  Able to give her consent

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Concomitant intake of QTcF prolonging drugs

 -  Past medical history of cardiovascular or endocrino-metabolic conditions (except
 hypertension or diabetes)

 -  QRS >120 msec on electrocardiogram