Music-induced prolongation of heart rate corrected QT intervals from electrocardiogram recordings of healthy preterm pregnant women

Aim: Women do have longer QTc intervals compared to men. The aim of this study was to investigate as-yet undocumented effects of music on QTc intervals from electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings compared to various cardiovascular parameters of women in the prenatal phase. Methods: Forty-four healthy women in pregnancy were exposed to quiet surroundings (Q), self-selected slow music (S), and investigator-provided fast music (F) with different rhythm and frequency characteristics for 3 min each during their routine cardiotocography investigation. QTc intervals from ECG recordings were calculated according to the formulas of Bazett, Fridericia, and Sagie. Results: QTc durations (Bazett) increased from 0.396 +/- 0.02 (Q) to 0.401 +/- 0.02 s (S) and to 0.407 +/- 0.03 s (F). The increase in QTc (delta QTc) value for slow (S) and fast (F) music was found to be 5.3 (S) and 10.1 ms (F, milliseconds) when compared to quiescent (Q) conditions showing a highly significant tripled P-value of 0.002 (Q vs. F). Similar results were found using alternate frequency corrections (Fridericia, Sagie) - QTc (delta QTc): 8.1 (Fridericia) and 7.2 ms (Sagie), quiescent vs. F, with P < 0.001. None of the tests for other cardiovascular parameters showed significant differences. Conclusions: As shown from our data, music with different rhythm and frequency characteristics may prolong QTc intervals in healthy preterm pregnant women and may add to other risk factors (e.g., preexisting QTc prolongation or application of QTc prolonging drugs). These data could prove to be relevant in the primary prevention recommendations for women at risk for arrhythmic patterns during pregnancy.