The prevalence and significance of a short QT interval in 18 825 low-risk individuals including athletes

Abstract

The prevalence of a short QT interval depends on the recommended cut-off value. Even at values ≤320 ms, there was an excellent medium-term prognosis among 14 people followed. We conclude that a definition of ≤320 ms is realistic to prevent overdiagnosis and excessive investigations.

Impact of QTc formulae in the prevalence of short corrected QT interval and impact on probability and diagnosis of short QT syndrome

“…In the SCD-SOS cohort, QT ≤330 ms was observed in 0.02%–0.07%, depending on the used formula for correction, and QT ≤320 in 0%–0.02% (no patients using Fridericia or Hodges formula, and more patients identified while using Framingham correction). Non-Caucasian ethnicity and male gender were the two independent predictors for a short QTc interval identified by Dhutia et al 2. In our cohort, we identified the same two predictors, as well as involvement in competitive sports, possibly suggesting that high-intensity sports practice may lead to electrical repolarisation remodelling with shortening of the QTc interval in a minority of individuals.…”

“…The SCD-SOS cohort differs from some of the above-mentioned young adult cohorts as it was balanced with regard to gender (unlike other studies which included >90%–99% men18 19), approximately half was not involved in regular physical exercise (unlike Kobza et al 18 in which all individuals were in the army), and was mostly composed of Caucasian individuals (nearly 98% were Caucasians; in Dhutia cohort,2 non-Caucasians accounted for >10% of the sample). In the SCD-SOS cohort, QT ≤330 ms was observed in 0.02%–0.07%, depending on the used formula for correction, and QT ≤320 in 0%–0.02% (no patients using Fridericia or Hodges formula, and more patients identified while using Framingham correction).…”

“…The prevalence of short QTc interval in the young adult population is low, and estimated to be 0.1%–15.8%2 depending on the used cut-offs 3–6…”

International criteria for electrocardiographic interpretation in athletes: Consensus statement

“…Data from over 18 000 asymptomatic young British individuals suggests that the prevalence of a QTc <320 ms is 0.1%; suggesting an abnormal cut-off value of <320 ms is pragmatic 123. However, over a mean follow-up period of 5.3 years, none of the individuals with a short QT <320 ms experienced any adverse events, syncope or sudden death 123.…”

“…Data from over 18 000 asymptomatic young British individuals suggests that the prevalence of a QTc <320 ms is 0.1%; suggesting an abnormal cut-off value of <320 ms is pragmatic 123. However, over a mean follow-up period of 5.3 years, none of the individuals with a short QT <320 ms experienced any adverse events, syncope or sudden death 123. Based on the rarity of this finding and absence of data to suggest long-term morbidity in asymptomatic athletes, the consensus of this panel recommends that a short QT interval only be investigated in the context of concerning clinical markers such as syncope, premature atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias or a relevant family history.…”