A Pilot Study to Examine the Feasibility of Measuring the QT Interval at Community Health Fairs

Abstract

Objectives: This study assessed the feasibility of using a hand-held single lead ECG device to collect readable electrocardiograms (ECGs) in a community setting among the general population. Next, the goal was to determine if QT intervals could be measured from the collected ECGs. Additionally, this study was designed to examine if patients who had a prolonged QT interval were taking medications that are associated with an increased risk of prolonged QT interval. Methods: This prospective pilot study involved collecting ECGs via an AliveCor hand-held device at community health fairs. ECGs were evaluated for usefulness and QT intervals were measured if possible. Results: Forty-eight subjects participated in this pilot study. Forty-five viable ECGs were recorded using the hand-held device. Of the 45 ECGs, 38 were of sufficient quality to measure the QT interval and calculate QTc interval. There were no prolonged QT intervals observed in this study. Conclusions: The hand-held device recorded sufficient information to extract QT intervals for the majority of subjects. Due to the lack of prolonged QTc intervals, there was insufficient data to determine if this device could be utilized in the detection of QT prolongation due to medication use.