Final answer:
The QTc interval is a measure used in cardiology to assess the risk of developing a life-threatening arrhythmia called Torsades de Pointes. Prolonged QTc intervals pose the greatest risk, indicating a longer time for ventricular repolarization than normal. Various factors can contribute to a prolonged QTc interval, such as certain medications, electrolyte imbalances, and genetic predisposition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The QTc interval is a measure of the time it takes for the ventricles of the heart to repolarize. It is a measurement used in cardiology to assess the risk of developing a life-threatening arrhythmia called Torsades de Pointes.
The risk is greatest for a prolonged QTc interval, which means the repolarization of the ventricles takes longer than normal. Various factors can contribute to a prolonged QTc interval, such as certain medications, electrolyte imbalances, and genetic predisposition.
For example, a patient taking a medication that can cause QT prolongation, like certain antibiotics or antiarrhythmic drugs, would be at an increased risk of developing Torsades de Pointes if their baseline QTc interval is already prolonged.