THE QT INTERVAL IN DRUG-FREE DEPRESSED-PATIENTS

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 43  (5) , 39-40
Abstract
The QT interval is a noninvasive measurement obtained from electrocardiographic tracings. Long QT intervals occur in individuals at risk for fatal cardiac arrhythmias and tricyclic antidepressant drugs can produce an increase in the QT interval. The QT intervals from drug-free depressed patients, patients with substance use disorders, and normal control subjects were compared. QT prolongation occurred more frequently (P < 0.05) and severely (P < 0.01) in the drug-free depressed subjects than in the controls. Some drug-depressed patients may have increased QT intervals. These patients may be at risk for sudden, unexpected cardiac arrhythmias unrelated to the cardiotoxic effects of tricyclic antidepressant drugs.

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