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Long QT Interval

Alec M Wilhelmi, MD and Leigh A Romero, CAQSM, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • QT interval: the interval from the beginning of the QRS complex to the end of the T wave on the surface electrocardiogram (ECG). This represents the period from the onset of ventricu...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Incidental finding on ECG in asymptomatic patients

  • Evaluate for syncope, presyncopal episodes, palpitations, and associated precipitating events (emotional triggers, swimming, diving).

  • ...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Treat VT, TdP, and VF emergently per ACLS guidelines.

  • Withdraw offending agents and correct electrolytes.

  • Treat underlying disorder in the setting of gastrointestinal illness, ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

All patients with LQTS should follow regularly with a cardiologist or electrophysiologist. Classically, patients were limited to low static and low dynamic stress...

REFERENCES

1
Abrams  DJ, Macrae  CA. Long QT syndrome. Circulation.  2014; 129(14): 1524– 1529.
2
Went TR, et al. A Systematic Review on the Role of Beta-Blockers in Reducing...

SEE ALSO

Algorithms: Cardiac Arrhythmias; Torsade de Pointes (TdP): Variant Form of Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) 

CODES

ICD10

I45.81 Long QT syndrome 

SNOMED

  • 9651007 Long QT syndrome (disorder)

  • 442946007 Aquired long QT syndrome

  • 442917000 Congenital long QT syndrome

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Evaluate for acquired causes before making a diagnosis of congenital LQTS.

  • Any patient with symptoms of palpitations, syncope, presyncope, any collapse, or with family history of sudden...

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