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]
Summary
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]
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Similar Papers
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.