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Long QT Syndrome: Treatment Options___Beta-blockers are the drugs of choice for treating patients with long QT syndrome. Their ability to block epinephrine from acting on the heart's beta-adrenergic receptors allows them to prevent the heart's electrical system from spinning out of control during epinephrine releasing events, such as the emotional states associated with the "fright, fight, flight" response. In a 1993 study conducted by Garson and associates, it was determined that beta-blocker therapy was effective in eliminating long QT syndrome's symptoms in 76% of 287 previously symptomatic individuals. Side effects from beta-blockers are generally mild and include low blood pressure, a slowed heart rate, dizziness, tiredness, sudden weight gain, and shortness of breath.  ___In roughly 25% of long QT syndrome patients, beta-blocker therapy is not effective in preventing symptomatic events from reoccurring. Patients who have experienced these so called "breakthrough events" need to be carefully considered for ICD/pacemaker implantations. Sometimes ICD/pacemaker units are implanted in patients who experience slowed heart rates as a side effect of beta-blocker treatment. The pacing function of the device can be used to overcome this problem. The ICD/pacemaker offers the advantage of being not only a pacemaker, but also an ICD (internal cardiac defibrillator). Should a patient with an ICD/pacemaker have an event involving either ventricular fibrillation or Torsades de Pointes, the ICD will deliver a defibrillating shock that should correct the arrhythmia.___Generally in the case of long QT syndrome, the patient's cardiac care becomes the primary responsibility of the cardiologist, but the physician should still keep close watch on the patient to ensure that treatments are remaining effective and not causing the patient unnecessary side effects. It is still recommended that the patient see their physician annually. Equipped with the proper knowledge of how to identify, diagnose, and treat long QT syndrome, the physician can both help save lives and improve the lives of any of their patients with long QT syndrome.  ___ The contents of the Long-QT-Syndrome.com Site, such as text, graphics, images and all other material contained on Long-QT-Syndrome.com are for informational purposes only. The contents were not written by a practicing medical doctor/physician and may not be correct. The content within Long-QT-Syndrome.com is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Long-QT-Syndrome.com Site! |
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