QT Prolongation and Malignant Arrhythmia: How Serious a Problem?

Abstract

QT prolongation constitutes one of the most frequently encountered electrical disorders of the myocardium. This is due not only to the presence of several associated congenital syndrome but also, and mainly, due to the QT-prolonging effects of several acquired conditions, such as ischaemia and heart failure, as well as multiple medications from widely different categories. Propensity of repolarization disturbances to arrhythmia appears to be inherent in the function of and electrophysiology of the myocardium. In the present review the issue of QT prolongation will be addressed in terms of pathophysiology, arrhythmogenesis, treatment and risk stratification approaches. Although already discussed in literature, it is hoped that the mechanistic approach of the present review will assist in improved understanding of the underlying changes in electrophysiology, as well as the rationale for current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.