What is QT in the heart?

The Q-T interval is the section on the electrocardiogram (ECG) – that represents the time it takes for the electrical system to fire an impulse through the ventricles and then recharge. It is translated to the time it takes for the heart muscle to contract and then recover.

What does a high QTc mean?

An abnormally prolonged QTc interval (>450 ms in men, >470 ms in women) was associated with a three-fold increased risk of sudden cardiac death (hazard ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 4.7), after adjustment for age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio, diabetes …

What can cause QT syndrome?

Long QT syndrome is usually caused by a faulty gene inherited from a parent. The abnormal gene affects the heart’s electrical activity….Certain medicines can also trigger long QT syndrome, including some types of:

• antibiotics.
• antihistamines.
• antidepressants.
• antipsychotics.
• diuretics.
• heart medicines.

When should I be concerned about QT prolongation?

Although the relationship between QT interval duration and the risk of TdP is not fully understood, a corrected QT interval (QTC) of >500ms1 or an increase in the QTC of >60ms2 is generally considered to confer a high risk of TdP in an individual patient.

Why is QT interval important?

The QT interval on the electrocardiogram (ECG) has gained clinical importance, primarily because prolongation of this interval can predispose to a potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmia known as torsades de pointes. Multiple factors have been implicated in causing QT prolongation and torsades de pointes.

Is long QT a heart disease?

Long QT syndrome is a rare heart disorder that upsets the electrical activity of your heart. This electrical disruption can cause an abnormal heartbeat and even sudden death. Family history of long QT syndrome is the main risk factor for developing the condition.