What change in the EKG is most commonly associated with hypercalcemia?

The change in the electrocardiogram (EKG) most commonly associated with hypercalcemia is a shortened QT interval. Hypercalcemia can affect cardiac repolarization, leading to a decrease in the duration of the QT interval. This occurs because elevated calcium levels enhance myocardial contractility and can result in a rapid return to baseline after cardiac depolarization.

In hypercalcemia, the increase in calcium ions accelerates the process of repolarization, which is reflected in the EKG as a shortening of the QT interval. It is important to monitor changes in the QT interval since they can indicate significant cardiac risks and necessitate further clinical evaluation. Understanding these EKG changes can help healthcare professionals diagnose and manage electrolyte disorders effectively.

Other choices do not accurately represent the common EKG changes associated with hypercalcemia: prolonged QT intervals are more often associated with conditions like hypocalcemia, a wide QRS complex may indicate other cardiomyopathies or conduction abnormalities, and flat T waves can be seen in various electrolyte imbalances or ischemia but are not specifically linked to hypercalcemia.