What does a prolonged QT wave indicate?

A prolonged QT interval refers to an abnormality seen on an electrocardiogram. This abnormality reflects a disturbance in how your heart’s bottom chambers (ventricles) conduct electricity.

Is Prolonged QT life threatening?

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an abnormal feature of the heart’s electrical system that can lead to a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia called torsades de pointes (pronounced torsad de pwant). Torsades de pointes may result in syncope (fainting) or sudden cardiac death.

What happens if QT interval is prolonged?

QT prolongation increases the risk of developing abnormal heart rhythms, including the life threatening arrhythmia torsades de pointes (TDP). This type of arrhythmia can lead to sudden cardiac death.

How long can you live with long QT syndrome?

What happens if it is not treated? LQTS is usually a lifelong condition. The risk of having an abnormal heart rhythm that leads to fainting or cardiac arrest may lessen as you get older, especially in men after age 40. However, the risk never completely goes away.

Can you feel QT prolongation?

Some people have a warning sign first, such as lightheadedness, heart palpitations, weakness or blurred vision. Seizures also may occur in some people with LQTS . Generally, the heart returns to its normal rhythm.

Can you drive with long QT syndrome?

You must not drive if you’ve suffered from: loss of consciousness or fainting. another cardiovascular condition that might affect your ability to drive safely – you must check with your doctor before you drive.

What is QT prolongation?

It is measured from the Q wave until the T wave, and the QT interval clinically represents the repolarization of the ventricles. Many commonly used medications exhibit QT-prolonging effects. However, the degree of QT prolongation is not severe enough to warrant caution in healthy patients.

Are QT-prolonging effects of medications dangerous?

Many commonly used medications exhibit QT-prolonging effects. However, the degree of QT prolongation is not severe enough to warrant caution in healthy patients.

Is QT prolongation a risk factor for cardiac mortality?

Abstract Introduction: QT prolongation is an independent risk factor for cardiac mortality. Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is more common in patients as they age. Widening of the QRS in LBBB causes false QT prolongation and thus makes true QT assessment difficult.

Do non-cardiovascular drugs prolong the QT interval?

A potential risk associated with the use of non-cardiovascular drugs prolonging the QT interval]. Calderone V, Cavero I. Minerva Med. 2002 Jun; 93(3):181-97.