It has been a while since I have dealt with cardiac disease, but I think I still have the basics.
The QT interval on an ECG/EKG shows the electrical activity of the heart during the time of ventriculr contraction. The heartbeat that pumps the blood to the rest of the body.
If there is a prolonged Q-T or an elevated Q-T (actually the S-t segment is elevated)it means two different things. I'm not sure what a 'high' Q-T means, but maybe someone else can answer that quesion.
First off, if the results indicated an immediate risk to your daughter, you would know this by now since she most likely would have been hospitalized for further studies. So, I hope this reassures you.
The prolonged Q-T can be caused by many factors such as electrolyte imbalance and by different medications. The Q-T interval is important because when prolonged there is more time for a dangerous, irregluar heatbeat to occur that can lead to dangerous situations.
The S-T segment, if elevated, can indicate several things, but the most important one is that there may be a lack of oxygen to the heart. In most cases, the patient would also be having pain, but not in all cases. A diabetic may not feel this pain. The name for heart pain due to ischemia (not enough oxygen to the heart cells) is angina...and there are various types of angina.
Angina is NOT a heart attack but it can be present with a heart attack and then some people have angina and never have a heart attack.
I think the importance of the ECG findings must be considered with her clinical picture and complaints. Like 'why was the ECG being done anyway. Was she having chest pain?" Or was it a regular exam and she has been feeling OK?
I hope this is helpful and reassures you somewhat.
Edited by BarbaraTaylor on August 14 2005 at 12:01am
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BarbaraTaylor, ARNP, CAP
My suggestions are not intended to replace consultation with your physician.
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