Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Ligation for Ischemia-Reperfusion Research: Model Improvement via Technical Modifications and Quality Control
05:41

Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Ligation for Ischemia-Reperfusion Research: Model Improvement via Technical Modifications and Quality Control

Published on: December 16, 2022

Prolonged QT interval and coronary artery bypass mortality due to heart failure

Mahnoosh Foroughi1, Zohreh Karkhaneh Yousefi, Masood Majidi Tehrani

  • 1Modarres Cardiovascular Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. mahnoosh.foroughi@gmail.com

Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals
|December 23, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Prolonged QT interval on preoperative ECG predicts perioperative death in coronary artery bypass grafting patients. This simple measurement identifies individuals at higher risk for adverse outcomes, aiding clinical decision-making.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery

Background:

  • QT interval prolongation is a known predictor of mortality in coronary artery disease and heart failure.
  • Assessing preoperative risk factors is crucial for optimizing outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the prognostic value of the QT interval for predicting death due to low cardiac output post-coronary artery bypass grafting.
  • To determine if QT interval prolongation is an independent predictor of perioperative mortality in CABG patients.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study comparing 30 patients who died perioperatively from heart failure with 168 matched hospital survivors.
  • Preoperative electrocardiograms (leads II and V4) were analyzed for QT interval measurement in 3 consecutive beats.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of perioperative death.

Main Results:

  • The mean corrected QT interval was significantly longer in patients who died perioperatively (480.7 ± 96.2 ms) compared to the control group (425.4 ± 21 ms).
  • QT interval prolongation was the sole independent predictor of perioperative death among the evaluated variables.

Conclusions:

  • QT interval measurement on preoperative ECG is a simple and effective tool for identifying CABG patients at increased risk of perioperative death.
  • This finding suggests that QT interval assessment can aid in stratifying surgical risk and potentially guide perioperative management.

Related Concept Videos

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class III Agents as Potassium Channel Blockers01:12

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class III Agents as Potassium Channel Blockers

Class III antiarrhythmic drugs are a group of medications that can prolong action potentials in the heart. They achieve this by blocking potassium channels or enhancing inward currents from sodium channels. However, these drugs have a unique property of "reverse use-dependence," which is most pronounced at slower heart rates and can lead to torsades de pointes—a specific type of arrhythmia. However, it is essential to note that excessive QT interval prolongation—a measure of the heart's...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...