Coronavirus

Malignant vasovagal syncope

by AgentX86 - 2020-03-20 15:45:34

I'd guess that it depends on what causes your syncope and if the pacemaker has "fixed" the problem completely (fix the symptom, fix the problem?).  If there is an underlying heart problem you may or may not be at more risk.  At the other end, if there is no underlying heart problem and the pacemaker has relieved all occurances of the syncope, I don't think you're at any higher risk than anyone else.  Your EP/cardiologist would be able to give better advice, though.  There is a lot of overreacting going on.  That said, all the schools around here are closed.  School = high density of possible carriers (of the worst kind).

Holiday???

by Graham M - 2020-03-20 16:17:19

Since all the schools are closing anyway, why not just enjoy an unplanned holiday at home.

I am 64 with a PM for heart block, but no other heart disease. I also have COPD (my own fault for smoking) and Hashimoto's disease. I am definitely in the high risk group, but as I work for the NHS, I still have to go in as usual.  Luckily I'm not on the front line - I work in a laboratory - or I would be concerned.

As Agent says, there's a lot of overreaction going on and I think maybe that the government is the worst culpret.

Anyway, I'm going to carry on and try to keep as safe as possible. I don't think I am at greater risk of catching it than anyone else, but if I did catch it, I might be in trouble.

Keep safe everyone.

Graham

Perhaps some good news (not that new but more information)

by AgentX86 - 2020-03-20 18:21:01

<https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/the-inside-story-of-chloroquine-and-hydroxychloroquine-for-covid-19>

Not such good news

by Good Dog - 2020-03-21 10:47:52

I don't want to be a Debbie Downer, but check the last side effect as it could preclude us:

Chloroquine Side Effects:

Digestive distress: stomach discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Visual changes, damage to the retina
Headache, ringing in the ears, hearing loss
Skin reactions, sensitivity to sunlight
Muscle discomfort, weakness
Severe allergic reactions
Blood disorders
Serious heart arrhythmias

Debbie Downer

by AgentX86 - 2020-03-21 12:09:13

The difference is that the Chloroquine or Hydrochloroquine only has to be admistered for a few days, not months like it does for malaria. For those with long QT or serious heart rhythms it can be done in  hospital setting or minimal makeshift hospitals, if need be.  These people could be prioritized for constant monitoring.  This isn't much different than Tikosyn, which is a common treatment for Afib/flutter.  It too requires hospitalization for three days because of the possibility of long-QT syndrome.  It's taken for life, too.

I'm a little skeptical (too good to be true) but given the magnitude of the problem I don't see the downside as being unmanagabe and certainly a big step forward. In addition to having real possibilities, it's been around for over fifty years so no patents (not that they would be a big hurdle in a pandemic) and ramping manufacturing to the levels needed should be possible.  IF it all pans out.

I am with you

by Good Dog - 2020-03-21 12:29:54

Yeah, I believe that if it can save just one life, then it should be used...........fingers crossed!