Why is the measurement of the QT interval important?
a. It represents ventricular depolarization.
b. It represents ventricular contraction.
c. An increasing QT interval increases the risk of torsades de pointes.
d. A decreasing QT interval increases the risk of torsades de pointes.
C
A prolonged QT interval is significant because it can predispose the patient to the development of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, known also as torsades de pointes. A long QT interval can be congenital, as a result of genetic inheritance, or it can be acquired from an electrolyte imbalance or medications.
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