What is a potential cardiovascular manifestation of hypocalcemia?

A potential cardiovascular manifestation of hypocalcemia is a prolonged QT interval. Hypocalcemia can lead to alterations in cardiac electrical activity, especially affecting the repolarization phase of the cardiac cycle. The QT interval represents the time taken for the ventricles to depolarize and then repolarize. In the setting of low calcium levels, the duration of repolarization is extended, leading to a prolonged QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG). This can increase the risk of serious arrhythmias, such as Torsades de Pointes, highlighting the critical relationship between electrolyte levels and cardiac function.

The other options do not identify the specific effect of hypocalcemia on cardiac function. A shortened QT interval is typically associated with hypercalcemia. Inverted T waves can arise from various conditions, such as ischemia or electrolyte imbalances, but they are not specifically indicative of hypocalcemia. Narrow QRS complexes generally reflect a normal or narrow conduction pathway and are not directly related to calcium levels. Understanding the implications of electrolyte disturbances, particularly calcium, is essential for recognizing their effects on cardiac dynamics.