Final answer:
Torsades de pointes is a dangerous cardiac arrhythmia that appears as varying amplitude QRS complexes twisting around the ECG baseline, associated with prolonged QT interval. It can be triggered by various factors and requires immediate treatment to prevent serious complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Torsades de pointes is a specific type of abnormal heart rhythm that is characterized on an electrocardiogram (ECG) by a distinctive pattern resembling a twisting of points on the QRS complex, which represents the ventricular activity of the heart. This condition can lead to serious complications, including sudden cardiac death if not treated promptly.
Torsades de pointes looks like a series of QRS complexes that vary in amplitude and appear to twist around the isoelectric baseline on an ECG. This arrhythmia is associated with a prolonged QT interval and can be triggered by various factors, including certain medications, low potassium or magnesium levels, and heart conditions.
Management of torsades de pointes involves immediate treatment, which may include the administration of magnesium sulphate, and in some cases, electrical defibrillation. It is also important to identify and address any underlying causes to prevent recurrence of this life-threatening arrhythmia.