How does low calcium levels affect the QT interval?

How does low calcium levels affect the QT interval?

• A. It shortens the QT interval
• B. It has no effect on the QT interval
• C. It lengthens the QT interval
• D. It causes an inverted QT interval

Answer: (C)

Low calcium levels, or hypocalcemia, can lead to a lengthening of the QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG). The QT interval represents the time taken for the heart's ventricles to depolarize and then repolarize. Calcium plays a crucial role in the electrical activity of the heart and the repolarization phase, and its deficiency disrupts the normal ion exchange during cardiac cycles. When calcium levels are low, there is an altered action potential duration, contributing to a slower repolarization process. This results in an extended QT interval. Clinical significance arises because a prolonged QT interval may predispose patients to dangerous arrhythmias, such as Torsades de Pointes, highlighting the importance of monitoring calcium levels in patients with abnormal QT intervals. Understanding the link between calcium levels and QT interval is essential for accurate ECG interpretation and effective patient management.

Low calcium levels, or hypocalcemia, can lead to a lengthening of the QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG). The QT interval represents the time taken for the heart's ventricles to depolarize and then repolarize. Calcium plays a crucial role in the electrical activity of the heart and the repolarization phase, and its deficiency disrupts the normal ion exchange during cardiac cycles.

When calcium levels are low, there is an altered action potential duration, contributing to a slower repolarization process. This results in an extended QT interval. Clinical significance arises because a prolonged QT interval may predispose patients to dangerous arrhythmias, such as Torsades de Pointes, highlighting the importance of monitoring calcium levels in patients with abnormal QT intervals. Understanding the link between calcium levels and QT interval is essential for accurate ECG interpretation and effective patient management.