Long QT interval

Yes but

by AgentX86 - 2018-09-04 09:46:20

There are drugs that will help too.  Your EP should be well versed on the causes of your long-QT and options available to you. Find a good one and listen.

A pacemaker essentially papers over what's really wrong.  Drug therapy may be a better solution.  Electrolytes are extremely important here, particularly potassium and magnesium.

There's nothing a PM can directly do......

by donr - 2018-09-05 00:00:16

...about a long QT interval. For a very good reason - the PM is desiged to cause the Atria & ventricals to contrct.  That means its work is done BEFORE the QT interval exists. That is also why the EP community is concerned about the QT interval widening.  It is certain Antiarrthymic Meds that cause the lengthened interval.  It is not to be taken lightly!  I did a bit of research & found that there are many meds that CAUSE LQTS, but few that counter it.  A PM cn help by countering Bradycardia - a condition, if untreated, can really potentiate the LQTS.   But it cannot directly intervene if it is occurring.

There are a potful of Google articles on the causes & treatment of the malady. 

Donr

Thanks

by Beattie - 2018-09-05 05:09:03

Thanks AgentX86 and donr... 

There is so much to learn! 

I was just curious as i am on several medications which cause QT prolongation and was hospitalised a few times before i got my pacemaker for this plus electrolyte imbalances but my dr hasnt mentioned any more about it. 

Recently have been feeling a bit flat like what i felt before i had my PM but i assume PM check would pick up anything untoward cardiac related....

You need to read...

by donr - 2018-09-05 21:58:20

...the following Baylor Univ web article about EXACTLY your problem

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2900977

Sure that you ae not the male subject?/

Donr

Wow!

by Beattie - 2018-09-06 08:13:10

Thanks Donr, that article is certainly very enlightning! I am on both Amiodarone and Diltiazem...

I am a female and a tad younger than that chap so that sort of excludes me i think from being the male subject mentioned..😀

HMMMMMMMMM! Amiodarone

by donr - 2018-09-06 09:43:51

That can be NASTY stuff, with potentially very bad side effects that are irreversable.  If you do NOT already have it, go to its website & read about it.   At 32 (as I calculate), you are very young to be on that med, since it is what I called "End of the line" for antiarrhythmic meds when my EP suggested it.  Instead, I wound up on Sotalol, which is close to the end of the line - but I am 82 in a few days,  

Donr

Amiodarone

by Beattie - 2018-09-06 10:02:23

Hmmm....Yes am very aware of the possible side effects... 🙁. I get reminded every time i see dr ....I am being very closely monitored for any adverse effects.It truly is being used as a last resort my drs have tried nearly every conceivable combination of drugs none of which control symptoms . Every time they trial me going off it for a bit within 3 months i seem to be back to square one.. I am asthmatic so cant take beta blockers...in the begining drs thought they would try them even though not best idea and it led to a prompt Asthma attack. 

Hope you have a great 82nd Birthday! 😊

Asthma & Beta Blockers

by donr - 2018-09-07 08:17:25

I, ikewise, am asthmatic.  I faced TWO choices - Asthma & Beta Blockers or Asthma & Amiodarone.  I chose the lesserr ofg two evils - the Beta Blocker route.  I my case, Sotalol & Asthma.  The info sheet clearly says that the two do not mix.  Yes, My asthma took off running, but I chose to try to control it, & have been successful.   Yours may be way more severe than mine.   Here's what happened to me recently -  I have, for 25 years, had inceasing problems SWALLOWING, due to a constriction in my esophagus, just above the stomach.   I finally went to see a GI Dr, who  told me about it, &hoe he could treat it by dialating the stricture.  I resisted it fro FEAR of what mighht happen.  My allergist/asthma dr  told me that a lot of my asthma was caused by GERD  that irritated the entrance to the airway to the lungs at its entrance.   I was discussing the stricture w/ my EP &he told me I should have the stricture dialated.  I asked him when - he said immediately "Two years ago!".  'Because," he said, "some day you will be trying to swallow something that will rip the esophagus & you will bleed to death.  Beter to have the problems i a hosp under controlled conditions & be safe if there is a tear."  Took the plunge two weeks ago.  Dialation took total of 15 min.  Went out & ate lunch immedately afterwards.  I can NOW swallow comfortably!  But - Guess what - My asthma is almost completely GONE!

DO YOU have GERD?  You should ask, it might help the asthma if you do & it is treated.  BTW:  I did not realize this till just now when I started writing this.  I have had NO symptoms of asthma since having the dialation. 

Donr

Thanks

by Beattie - 2018-09-07 21:13:49

Thanks Donr... 

My Asthma is pretty severe unfortunately... 

Will ask definately ask my Dr about GERD (i have never heard of this). I dont seem to have any ussue with Swallowing...but still worth asking about. 

Thanks so much for your comments n help!! 

Cheers

Beattie

You don't have too...

by donr - 2018-09-07 23:30:17

....have to have trouble swallowing.   I had the GERD well before that came.  What happens is that the acid reflux irritaes the entry to the airway, resulting in coughing, hacking & wheezing.

Dpnr