Effect of age and gender on the QTc-interval in healthy individuals and patients with long-QT syndrome

Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2018 Jan;28(1):64-75. doi: 10.1016/j.tcm.2017.07.012. Epub 2017 Aug 3.

Abstract

Age- and gender-related differences in QTc-interval are most likely the result of changes in sex-specific hormones. Although the exact mechanisms and pathophysiology of sex hormones on the QTc-interval are not known, testosterone appears to shorten the QTc-interval. In females, however, there is a more complex interaction between progesterone and estrogen. In patients with an impaired repolarization, such as long-QT syndrome (LQTS), the effect of these sex hormones on the QTc-interval is more pronounced with a differing sensitivity between the LQTS genotypes.

Keywords: Age; Electrocardiogram (ECG); Gender; long-QT syndrome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Age Factors
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Estrogens / blood
  • Female
  • Health Status Disparities*
  • Heart Conduction System / physiopathology*
  • Heart Rate*
  • Humans
  • Long QT Syndrome / blood
  • Long QT Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Long QT Syndrome / etiology
  • Long QT Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Menstrual Cycle
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Progesterone / blood
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Testosterone / blood

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Testosterone
  • Progesterone