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Prolonged QT interval on 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) has been
known to cause a specific form of life-threatening polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, namely torsades de
pointes. If persists, it can lead to ventricular fibrillation and sudden death. There are 2 major forms of Long QT
syndrome (LQTS): the rare congenital form and the more common acquired form. While there are many causes
of acquired LQTS, the identification of the genetic defects in congenital LQTS has helped in the understanding
of the patho-mechanism of acquired LQTS, at least in drug-induced LQTS.
Many factors can cause QT prolongation and the appearance of prolonged QT interval has been shown to be a
prognostic risk factor in many cardiac as well as non-cardiac conditions. Nevertheless, the commonest cause of
acquired long QT syndrome is drug-induced, and this issue has been identified as a considerable public health
problem. In this article, we will discuss acquired LQTS with particular emphasis on drug-induced LQTS.
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