QT interval – Its measurement and clinical significance

• Main Author: Sita Ram Mittal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2019-01-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical and Preventive Cardiology
• Subjects: Arrhythmias; electrocardiography; repolarization heterogeneity; sudden cardiac death; torsades de pointes
• Online Access: http://www.jcpconline.org/article.asp?issn=2250-3528;year=2019;volume=8;issue=2;spage=71;epage=79;aulast=Mittal

QT interval extends from the beginning of QRS complex to the end of T wave. Thus, it includes the duration of ventricular depolarization (QRS) and repolarization (J point to end of T wave). It corresponds to the duration of cellular action potential. “long-” and “short”-QT intervals are considered as risk markers for cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. In the last decade, there have been significant advances in our understanding about measurement and significance of QT interval. We have made an attempt to review the literature to find the limitations and queries surrounding the present status of measurement of QT interval and its significance as a risk marker for cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death.