What EKG change is associated with hypocalcemia?

What EKG change is associated with hypocalcemia?

• A. Prolonged QT interval
• B. Shortened QT interval
• C. Peaked T waves
• D. Flattened P waves

Answer: (A)

The prolonged QT interval is indeed associated with hypocalcemia due to the impact of low calcium levels on cardiac electrical activity. Calcium plays a crucial role in the action potential of cardiac myocytes, contributing to the depolarization and repolarization phases. When calcium levels are low, the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential is prolonged, which translates to a longer QT interval on the EKG.

In the context of hypocalcemia, this prolonged QT interval can lead to a higher risk of various arrhythmias, including Torsades de Pointes, as it indicates that the heart's electrical system is taking longer to reset after each heartbeat.

Understanding this relationship is essential for recognizing and addressing the potential cardiac complications that can arise from hypocalcemia. Other potential EKG changes may be misleading in this context and do not directly correlate with the effects of low calcium levels on cardiac physiology in the same manner.