Exercise practice and short-QT interval on ECG

Abstract

A short-QT interval is a potential electrocardiographic finding, while short-QT syndrome (SQTS) is a rare, inherited channelopathy characterized by pathological shortening of the action potential duration leading to an increased risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. In contrast to the long QT syndrome (LQTS), data on the prevalence, diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment and prognosis of short-QT syndrome are scarce. Understanding the true risk of adverse events in exercise population or sporting activities by the patient with short-QT on 12‑leads electrocardiogram is complex: here, we summarize current knowledge and raise questions regarding the challenging relationship between the difficult SQTS diagnosis and exercise practice.

Keywords: Channelopathies; Exercise practice; Short-QT syndrome; Sports; Sudden cardiac death.