What is in cardiology, what is the QT interval?

QT interval is an electrical measurement of certain aspects of heart functioning. It is seen on an electrocardiogram or ECG and is a measurement of a process called repolarization . In repolarization, the heart has the only contraction followed by chambers that receive new blood. The whole process, when measured to ECG, is QT interval. This interval is exceptionally important, because the condition where repolarization lasts much longer than the average called the long QT syndrome can cause dangerously fast arrrhythmia; It is associated with sudden death, especially among adolescents and young adult athletes. Also important is a slightly longer interval that does not represent the syndrome, as it can contraindicate the use of certain drugs that can extend the interval.

Those who try to understand the QT interval may mistake that repolarization is mainly influenced by heart formation. This is not the case. IS interval due to electrical signals in the heart chambers. These are two lower chambers of the heart and can have a perfect shape and form, aLe still have mistakes in the way they electrically transmit information to the heart. If errors occur, the repolarization time may be longer than the average. Some people are born with predilection for long QT syndrome, but others can gain it later in their lives.

Medical research has identified numerous medicines that may change QT intervals in some individuals. The change could cause a slightly longer repolarization or cause a long QT syndrome. Although this is not an exhaustive list, some medicines that can extend the QT interval include albuterol, adderall®, Lexapro®, Geodon®, Benadryl®, Paxil®, Provac®, Celex®, Fluconazole, Ketoconazole and Mexitil®. When exploring this list, it is easy to see drugs treats a wide range of conditions. They are used to treat attention disorder, allergy, depression, fungal infections, bacterial infections and heart rhythm disorders. Most of these drugs listed here and othersCHs that are not listed are antidepressants or other drugs of behavior.

It is important to realize that these drugs do not necessarily have to create a long QT syndrome or even extend the QT interval. Those who have a long QT syndrome may avoid these medicines not to worse their condition. Most people can use these drugs safely, although several medicines such as Geodon® require ECG before use and even a slight extension of the QT interval would contraindicated its use.

For a medical layman, ECG is difficult to understand, but knowing a little about Qt interval makes sense. Certainly it is something people can ask their doctors when they get ECG. Because there are common medicines that can prolong repolarization, it may be wise to ask doctors whether the QT interval on the ECG falls into normal limits.