Face immersion in cold water induces prolongation of the QT interval and T-wave changes in children with nonfamilial long QT syndrome

Am J Cardiol. 1999 May 15;83(10):1494-7, A8. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9149(99)00131-9.

Abstract

We investigated the relation between heart rate and the QT interval using face immersion in cold water in children with long QT syndrome (LQTS) without a family history of this condition, and in control children. The face immersion test revealed that all children with high probability of LQTS had a significantly longer QT interval than control children during face immersion, and that the test could induce T-wave alternans or a notched T-wave in all children with a high probability of LQTS.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Cold Temperature
  • Face
  • Female
  • Heart Conduction System / physiopathology*
  • Heart Rate*
  • Humans
  • Immersion / adverse effects*
  • Long QT Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Long QT Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Near Drowning / physiopathology
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Swimming
  • Water

Substances

  • Water