LONG QT SYNDROME QUESTIONS:?

Question

I'm not sure if I have congenital QT... I have Crohn's disease/UC and I take mesalamine, remicade, and prednisone which is a steroid. If I was born with it, wouldnt they see it on an EKG at birth?? Do the meds I take cause Long QT? Will the long QT stop if I stop taking the medications? PLEASE HELP.

Answer 1

First step, talk to your doctor. When it comes to making health decisions, you need to do that with your doctor not with some random person on the internet.



Would congenital Long QT show up on an ECG at birth? Possibly, but it is very unusual to put an infant on a heart monitor unless they're very ill. I didn't have an ECG for the first time until I was 26, and that was only because I was applying for a job that required detailed health screening. Most people don't have an ECG done until they're in their 40s or later. It isn't a routine test.



Can medications cause a lengthening of the QT? Absolutely! However none of the medications you're taking have been associated with prolongation of the QT.



While Long QT does increase your risk for going into an arrhythmia, you can lead a completely normal life. If you start getting significant palpitations or sudden onsets of dizziness, or shortness of breath where you feel you're about to pass out, that would be the time to go to the hospital and they'll look a drug therapy to reduce your risk. Unless it gets to that point, relax and don't worry about it.

Answer 2

I'm not an expert on this, but I believe that Long QT syndrome is a hereditary condition, not caused by medication. But you can easily check on this by asking your doctor or pharmacist. Best way to diagnose long QT is by a recent EKG. Might not be present at birth. Don't stop meds without your doctor's input.

Answer 3

what drugs lengthen the QT