QTc Interval: A frequently unrecognized electrocardiographic interval.

Ali Osama Kamal Zaki Ibrahim, Akruti Patel Prabhakar, Angel Lopez-Candales

Journal: The American journal of the medical sciences 2024;368(5):532-537

PMID: 38701971

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

The QT interval, an electrocardiographic temporal representation of the ventricular depolarization and repolarization, is an integral parameter that must be carefully evaluated to gather critical information regarding electrical instability that may cause malignant ventricular dysrhythmias or sudden cardiac death. The QT interval is affected by several inheritable and acquired factors, such as genetic mutations, electrolyte disturbances, and medication interactions. We strongly believe that prompt and accurate recognition of any QT interval abnormalities is critical in many clinical settings. This concise review article highlights the importance of accurate measurement of the QT interval, enhances understanding of the most prevalent factors yielding abnormalities within the QT interval and the prognostic value of the QT interval, as well as provides several key practical reminders for healthcare professionals to strengthen our clinical practice.

Address: Department of Medicine, University Health Truman Medical Center, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO.; Department of Medicine, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio.; Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Health Truman Medical Center, Hospital Hill University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2301 Holmes Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2024.04.020

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MeSH Terms: Humans, Electrocardiography, Long QT Syndrome, Arrhythmias, Cardiac