A prolonged QT interval can indicate what risk?

A prolonged QT interval can indicate an increased risk of life-threatening arrhythmias because it reflects a delay in the heart's repolarization process. This delay can lead to disturbances in the heart's electrical activity, increasing the likelihood of potentially dangerous arrhythmias, such as Torsades de Pointes or ventricular tachycardia. In such scenarios, the heart may not effectively pump blood, potentially leading to serious consequences, including sudden cardiac arrest. Therefore, monitoring the QT interval is crucial in clinical settings, especially for patients taking certain medications or those with underlying cardiac conditions, as it helps assess and manage the risk of these severe arrhythmias.