Genetically predicted testosterone and electrocardiographic QT interval duration in Chinese: a Mendelian randomization analysis in the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study

Background: QT interval prolongation, a predictor of cardiac arrhythmias, and elevated heart rate are associated with higher risk of cardiovascular mortality. Observationally testosterone is associated with shorter corrected QT interval and slower heart rate; however, the evidence is open to residual confounding and reverse causality. We examined the association of testosterone with electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters using a separate-sample instrumental variable (SSIV) estimator.

Methods: To minimize reverse causality, a genetic score predicting testosterone was developed in 289 young Chinese men from Hong Kong, based on a parsimonious set of single nuclear polymorphisms (rs10046, rs1008805 and rs1256031). Linear regression was used to examine the association of genetically predicted testosterone with QT interval, corrected QT interval [using the Framingham formula (QTf) and Bazett formula (QTb)] and heart rate in 4212 older (50+ years) Chinese men from the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study.

Results: Predicted testosterone was not associated with QT interval [-0.08 ms per nmol/l testosterone, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.81 to 0.65], QTf interval (0.40 ms per nmol/l testosterone, 95% CI -0.12 to 0.93) or heart rate (0.26 beats per minute per nmol/l testosterone, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.56), but was associated with longer QTb interval (0.66 ms per nmol/l testosterone, 95% CI 0.02 to 1.31).

Conclusions: Our findings do not corroborate observed protective associations of testosterone with QT interval or heart rate among men, but potentially suggest effects in the other direction. Replication in a larger sample is required.