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Is A Sinus Arrhythmia With A Long QT Interval On My ECG Something To Worry About?
Posted on
Thu, 14 May 2020
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 14 May 2020
Answered on
Fri, 14 Nov 2025
Last reviewed on
Question : i had an ECG that says sinus arrhythmia, long QT interval consider hypocalcemia or quinidine-like drug. Is this cause for alarm? I looked up long QT interval and it talked about sudden death
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that there are many causes underlying QT prolongation including:
- Inheritated QT prolongation syndrome ( since birth)
- drug induced (related to the use of anti-arrhythmic drugs, anti-depressants, diuretics,anti-psychotic drugs, anti- allergic drugs, etc..)
- electrolyte imbalances (low calcium, low potassium, etc.).
I would like to know if you are taking any drugs now.
It is also necessary checking your blood electrolytes.
You should know that QT prolongation can lead to severe cardiac arrhythmia, leading to an increased risk for sudden cardiac death.
Coming to this point, I would recommend performing an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring in order to examine your heart rhythm trends for a prolonged time and investigate for possible cardiac arrhythmia.
Starting an anti-arrhythmic drug may be needed.
In case of abnormal electrolytes, supplements would be helpful. In case you are taking any drug which lead to QTprolongation syndrome, switching to another drug may be needed.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that there are many causes underlying QT prolongation including:
- Inheritated QT prolongation syndrome ( since birth)
- drug induced (related to the use of anti-arrhythmic drugs, anti-depressants, diuretics,anti-psychotic drugs, anti- allergic drugs, etc..)
- electrolyte imbalances (low calcium, low potassium, etc.).
I would like to know if you are taking any drugs now.
It is also necessary checking your blood electrolytes.
You should know that QT prolongation can lead to severe cardiac arrhythmia, leading to an increased risk for sudden cardiac death.
Coming to this point, I would recommend performing an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring in order to examine your heart rhythm trends for a prolonged time and investigate for possible cardiac arrhythmia.
Starting an anti-arrhythmic drug may be needed.
In case of abnormal electrolytes, supplements would be helpful. In case you are taking any drug which lead to QTprolongation syndrome, switching to another drug may be needed.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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