Abstract

QT interval prolongation: Life-threatening consequences of life saving drugs

Highlights

  • Acquired long QT syndrome (LQTS) is undeniably more frequently encountered in clinical practice as compared to congenital LQTS [1]

  • Healthcare providers should be on guard for symptoms and signs such as syncope, near-syncope [19] and ventricular arrhythmias in hospitalized patients [20]

  • Symptoms and signs most commonly encountered in the study patients with prolonged QT interval were syncope and ventricular arrhythmias [21]

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Summary

Introduction

Acquired long QT syndrome (LQTS) is undeniably more frequently encountered in clinical practice as compared to congenital LQTS [1]. Pharmaceutical drugs are by far the most frequent variable causing acquired LQTS [2]. Prolonged QT interval is a precursor for fatal arrhythmias such as polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and Torsades de Pointes (TdP), which can eventually lead to sudden cardiac death [5]. The risk of torsades de pointes (TdP) increases by two to three-fold for patients with QT interval > 500 ms. There is an approximate 5-7% exponential increase in the risk of developing ventricular arrhythmias for every 10 ms increase in QT interval duration. Acquired LQTS can potentially increase hospital stay and can even increase the all-cause mortality [7]. Fatal ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death is a major public health issue for healthcare providers [1]

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