Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
In addition, factors such as rapid infusion, concurrent use of more than one drug known to prolong QT interval, diuretic treatment, electrolyte derangements (hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, or hypocalcemia), advanced age, bradyarrhythmias, and female sex have all been shown to be risk factors for developing drug-induced QT prolongation. [2]
Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a condition affecting repolarization (relaxing) of the heart after a heartbeat, giving rise to an abnormally lengthy QT interval. [7] It results in an increased risk of an irregular heartbeat which can result in fainting, drowning, seizures, or sudden death. [1]
The QT interval is a measurement made on an electrocardiogram used to assess some of the electrical properties of the heart. It is calculated as the time from the start of the Q wave to the end of the T wave , and approximates to the time taken from when the cardiac ventricles start to contract to when they finish relaxing.
So we have a QT of 400 milliseconds divided by the square root of 0.66 seconds over 1 second, which is 400 milliseconds divided by 0.81, which is unitless, and we get a corrected QT interval of 493 milliseconds, which is greater than 440, so actually, a 400 milliseconds QT interval at 90 beats per minute is considered long.
The Arizona Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics (AZCERT) maintains the CredibleMeds database. Founded in 2000 at the University of Arizona as part of a network of 14 federally-funded CERTs, [9] AZCERT became a separate non-profit corporation in 2012 funded by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), research grants, and charitable contributions.
Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome causes severe sensorineural hearing loss from birth, affecting both ears. Those affected have a prolonged QT interval on an electrocardiogram and are at risk of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), which can cause dizziness, blackouts, or seizures. [2]
Other investigations that may suggest a diagnosis of the LQT1 form of Romano–Ward syndrome include paradoxical lengthening of the QT interval in response to exercise (QTc >470 ms at 2–4 minutes of recovery) or during an artificial infusion of adrenaline (lengthening of the absolute QT interval >30 ms during low dose adrenaline). [13]
There is a dose-dependent increase in the QT interval and the corrected QT interval (QTc). Because of this, many practitioners will initiate dofetilide therapy only on individuals under telemetry monitoring or if serial EKG measurements of QT and QTc can be performed.