Summary:
Dispersion of QT intervals has been proposed as a measure of repolarization process inhomogeneity (and thus
refractority inhomogeneity) of ventricular myocardium. Recently other possible explanation of this phenomenon
has been intensively discussed. According to this concept QT dispersion is explained by different projections of
the heart repolarization vector. Moreover, the reproducibility of the measurement of QT dispersion is rather low
as it could be influenced both by intrinsic (eg, amplitude of the T wave or U wave) and extrinsic (eg. noise.
amplitude and time parameters of recording) factors. Only markedly prolonged QT dispersion must be therefore
interpreted as a sign of the abnormal course of the repolarization. Nevertheless, according to all mentioned facts
the only serious interpretation of increased QT dispersion is that it reflects unspecific repolarization changes.
More precious explanation is by then not possible (and it is disputable if it ever will be).
Key words:
QT interval, QT dispersion, repolarization, T-wave, T-wave vector
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