| Author | Message | ||
     Alexa |
Can a doctor explain how a beta blocker affects the QT interval? I read that it does not affect it. Then, does it affect the corrected QT interval (QTc)? I supose it does since it lowers the heart rate? If a patient on beta blocker gets an ECG, would it still show a long QTc? In general, how does a beta blocker such as propranolol help the LQT? Thanks! Alexa | ||
| Dr. Jorgen Kanters Username: Jorgen Registered: 08-2003 |
Normally it does not affect the QT interval. Since it affects heart rate, and the correction used is not ideal, it could have a slightly effect on the QTc. However this effect is very dependent of the individual, but in general it does not affect it much and it could go both ways. A Long QT patient on betablockers will generally still have prolonged QT, not different from without betablockers. When the QT interval is prolonged the stability of the heart cells is lost. Spontaneous oscillations can occur (socalled afterdepolarisations), which can lead to arrhythmias (Torsades des Pointes). Betablockers help by reducing the occurrence of these afterdepolarisations. | ||
| Kim Gerami |
What is the best beta blocker for long qt? My 12 yr. old daughter was put on enderol when first diagnosed, unfortunately the enderol caused her Asthma to go out of control. Now she is on Atenolol do you feel this is also a good drug of choice? P.S. I am so amazed in reading all the question and answers on your web site, there seems to be way too many people with long qt for the public to be so unaware of this disease. How can we spread the word faster? My heart goes out to everyone who has responded to this web site in every letter I read I see something that resembles my own families experiences with this heart breaking disease. I pray someday there will be a way to correct this disease! My prayers are with all of you. | ||
| Dr. Jorgen Kanters Username: Jorgen Registered: 08-2003 |
Many LQTS doctors believe that most betablockers are similar. A few believe that atenolol is not as good as the others. No solid documentation exists yet. | ||
| Bionic Roadrunner |
To Kim Geramini, You are right, public education is very important. Go to www.sads.org It is the Sudden Cardiac Death Foundation site in the States. With people like us, they spread the word by talking for example to school nurses and coaches and distributing pamphlets explaining the disease and the warning signs. There are many other ways to raise awareness and they will let you know. Best wishes to your little girl - Christine | ||
| tammy waters |
the doctor said my son is boarderline for sads, he said we could not treat him because it would make him uninsurable for the rest of his life and since the only way we found out about this was through a football physical and found he has a heart murmur and he has pulmonary valve stenosis he is 17 years old how can i help him even if he is just boarderline.Is there nothing that can be done. | ||
| Bionic Roadrunner |
Tammy, My daughter was called borderline and then tested genetically and found to have the gene for LQTS. She was put on betablockers as a preventive measure. When she had to change insurance, the new insurance called her condition "pre-existing" condition and even though they agreed to insure her, they said that for a whole year she would not be reimbursed for any problem with LQTS. You should check (anonimously) with different health insurance companies. Some accept patients with preexisting conditions.I think that Kaiser Permanente is one of them. Good luck! |