What is "torsades de pointes"

n. 1 (context medicine English) A rare type of cardiac arrhythmia. 2 (plural of torsade de pointes English)Category:English plurals 3 (plural of torsade de pointe English)Category:English plurals

Torsades de pointes or torsade de pointes (TdP or simply torsade(s)) (, translated as "twisting of the points"), is a specific type of abnormal heart rhythm that can lead to sudden cardiac death. It is a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that exhibits distinct characteristics on the electrocardiogram (ECG). It was described by Dessertenne in 1966. Prolongation of the QT interval can increase a person's risk of developing this abnormal heart rhythm.