Can low calcium levels lead to a short QT interval?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your ECG (attachment removed to protect patient identity). I do not believe you have short QT syndrome (SQTS). I assume you do not have any family history of sudden cardiac death, ventricular tachycardia, or electrical shocks for cardiac reasons. Your calcium levels are normal. Although there is no exact cutoff for the diagnosis of short QT syndrome, it is typically seen in patients with a QTc of 360 msec (though not all patients with this value will have SQTS). Most patients with SQTS have a QTc of less than 340 msec (with a range of 220 to 340 msec). Your QTc is 367 msec.

Additionally, according to Rautaharju's formula, your QT is borderline (which is nearly 88 percent of the predicted value; short QT is less than 88 percent, and very short QT is less than 80 percent). Therefore, your QT is borderline and does not fully qualify for short QT syndrome. I do not think there is much need for concern. Even in patients with short or very short QT, not all will have short QT syndrome.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Skipped beats are likely a VPC (ventricular premature complexes) or PAC (premature atrial contractions), which are quite common and most of the times are benign. Their presence does not mean any significant illness. So we either cannot rule in or out using these. However, the presence of tachycardia, dizziness, presyncope or syncope are more important symptoms and should be evaluated if they are there. Also, according to the scoring system, you fall into the low-risk category. You may get ECG done for your first degree relatives to see QTc and subsequent risk in you. Also, you may go for genetic testing to convince yourself although it is not necessary for you.

Thanks and regards.