Abstract
Introduction: QT interval represents the ventricular depolarization and
repolarization. Its accurate measurement is critical since prolonged QT
can lead to sudden cardiac death. QT is affected by heart rate and is
corrected to QTc via several formulae. QTc is commonly calculated on the
ECG and not the 24-hour Holter. Methods: 100 patients presenting to our
institution were evaluated by an ECG followed by a 24-hour Holter. QTc
measurement on both of these platforms using Bazett and Fridreicia
formulae was recorded and compared. Results: Mean age was 14.09 years,
with the majority being males. Mean heart rate was 125.87. In the ECG,
the mean QTc interval via Bazett formula was 0.40 seconds compared to
0.38 seconds using the Fridreicia formula. The mean corrected QT via
Bazett formula was 0.45, 0.39 and 0.42 seconds for the shortest RR,
longest RR and the average RR respectively. In contrast to Fridreicia
formula, the corrected QT interval was 0.40, 0.39, and 0.40 seconds for
the shortest RR, longest RR and the average RR respectively. Using
Bazett, highest specificity reached during longest RR interval (92.2%)
while highest sensitivity was recorded during shortest RR interval
(40%). As for Fridreicia, sensitivity always reached 0% while highest
specificity was reached during average RR interval. Conclusion: QTc
measured during Holter ECG reached a high specificity regardless of RR
interval using the Fridreicia and during long and average RR interval
for Bazett formula. The consistently low sensitivity reveals that Holter
ECG should not be used to rule out prolonged QT.