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About

The QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG) represents the time it takes for the heart ventricles to depolarize and repolarize. However, this interval naturally shortens as the heart rate increases and lengthens as it slows down. To clinically assess the risk of dangerous arrhythmias like Torsades de Pointes, cardiologists must calculate the "Corrected" QT interval (QTc), which normalizes the measurement to a standard heart rate of 60 beats per minute.

This tool is a powerful utility for clinicians, providing results from the four most respected formulas simultaneously. While Bazett's formula is the most common, it tends to overcorrect at high heart rates. Fridericia and Framingham are often preferred for tachycardia. By seeing all values side-by-side, medical professionals can make a more informed decision regarding drug toxicity (e.g., from certain antibiotics or antipsychotics) or congenital Long QT Syndrome.

ecg qtc arrhythmia

Formulas

Where QT is in seconds and RR is the interval between beats in seconds (60/HR).

Bazett: QTc = QTRR

Fridericia: QTc = QTRR1/3

Framingham: QTc = QT + 0.154(1 RR)

Hodges: QTc = QT + 1.75(HR 60)

Reference Data

QTc Value (ms)Men (Risk Level)Women (Risk Level)
< 440 msNormalNormal
440 - 460 msBorderlineNormal
460 - 470 msProlongedBorderline
> 470 msProlonged (High Risk)Prolonged
> 500 msDangerous (Torsades Risk)Dangerous (Torsades Risk)

Frequently Asked Questions

Bazett is the clinical standard but overestimates QTc at high heart rates (>80 bpm) and underestimates at low rates. Fridericia is generally considered more accurate across a wider range of heart rates. Always follow your institution's protocol.
The QT interval is measured from the beginning of the Q wave (or QRS complex) to the end of the T wave. It is best measured in lead II or V5.
A QTc greater than 500 ms is clinically significant and is associated with a 2-3 fold increased risk of Torsades de Pointes, a potentially fatal heart rhythm.
Women generally have slightly longer QT intervals than men due to hormonal differences, so their upper limit of normal is higher (typically 460ms vs 450ms for men).