Which group of patients is more likely to have a prolonged QT interval?

Women are more likely to have a prolonged QT interval due to various factors, including hormonal influences such as estrogen, which can affect cardiac repolarization. Additionally, several studies have shown that women tend to have longer baseline QT intervals compared to men, making them more susceptible to QT prolongation under certain conditions, such as during the use of specific medications or in the presence of certain medical conditions.

This increased risk in women can be further compounded by the fact that conditions such as congenital Long QT Syndrome also have a greater prevalence in females. The awareness of this difference is crucial in clinical practice, as it underscores the importance of monitoring the QT interval in women who are treated with drugs known to affect cardiac repolarization.

Men, children, and newborns typically have shorter baseline QT intervals compared to women, leading to a lower likelihood of experiencing prolonged QT intervals within comparable clinical situations. Understanding these nuances can aid healthcare providers in assessing and managing risks associated with QT prolongation in different patient populations.