Frequency of QTc Prolongation in Hospitalized Patients with Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of QTc prolongation among hospitalized patients presenting with acute hemorrhagic stroke. Methodology: This descriptive case series was conducted at the Department of Medicine, DHQ Teaching Hospital, Haripur, from July 2022 to June 2023. A total of 87 patients (aged 18–80 years) of both genders, admitted within 48 hours of acute neurological deficit and diagnosed with intracerebral hemorrhage on CT brain, were included. QTc interval was calculated using lead II of a 12-lead ECG and adjusted using Bazett’s formula (QTc = QT/√RR). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.0. Results: Among 87 patients, 41 (47.1%) had prolonged QTc intervals, while 46 (52.9%) had normal QTc intervals. Prolonged QTc was more prevalent in males than females, and the middle age group (41–60 years) had the highest proportion of cases. However, differences in QTc prolongation across gender and age groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: QTc prolongation is a common ECG abnormality in acute hemorrhagic stroke, affecting nearly half of the study population. Since prolonged QTc can precipitate life-threatening arrhythmias, early identification through continuous cardiac monitoring is essential to reduce mortality in these patients.