American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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What is the prolonged QTc threshold for males?

Greater than 470 ms
Greater than 450 ms
Greater than 500 ms
Greater than 400 ms

The correct answer is: Greater than 450 ms

The prolonged QTc threshold for males is established at greater than 450 milliseconds. This criterion is critical in clinical practice because a prolonged QT interval is associated with an increased risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, such as Torsades de Pointes. Men tend to have shorter QT intervals compared to women, so the threshold for identifying prolonged QTc specifically for males is set at this level. Monitoring and assessing QTc intervals can aid in the risk stratification of patients, particularly those on medications known to prolong the QT interval or those with underlying cardiac conditions. Understanding the context of why the other thresholds are inaccurate can help clarify the importance of maintaining a healthy QTc interval, emphasizing that values exceeding 450 ms signal potential risks specific to male patients.