Análisis del síndrome de QT largo y su relevancia para la práctica clínica enfermera

Resumen

Introduction. Long QT syndrome is an arrhythmogenic channelopathy characterized by an alteration in ventricular repolarization, which reflects in electrocardiogram by a QT interval prolongation. Its current prevalence is 1/2000 births. One of the fatal consequences 28 / Enfermería en Cardiología. 2019; Año XXVI (76) ARTÍCULOS CIENTÍFICOS Figura 1. Fases del potencial de acción cardiaco. Basado en: Potencial de acción cardiaco. Consorcio de Investigación Traslacional de Arritmias Cardiacas Secundarias a Canalopatías (ITACA)3 . of this disease is sudden death, which represents between 20-30% of deaths from cardiac causes. Objective: To analyze the long QT syndrome by a critical review of the existing scientific literature and reflect its importance in clinical nursing practice, so as to improve the quality of life of those patients afflicted with said disease. Material and methods. It is a systematic literature review with the use of CASPe guides for the critical reading of scientific articles. Results. The long QT syndrome can be produced by genetic inheritance or acquired factors. For diagnosis, it is recommended to calculate the QTc interval. There are electrocardiographic alterations associated with long QT syndrome. The diagnosis is made by ECG, plus further complementary tests. Treatment involves drugs, electromedicine and/or surgery. Nursing should provide adequate care for this type of patients. Conclusions. Long QT syndrome is a life-threatening disease, and that is why its early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the afflicted patient‘s survival. Care management by the Nursing staff in hospitalized patients and self-care support by nurses from Primary Healthcare are highly relevant so as to maintain a good quality of life in these healthcare users.