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I Had An ECG That Says Sinus Arrhythmia , Long
Question: i had an ECG that says sinus arrhythmia, long QT interval consider hypocalcemia or quinidine-like drug. Is this cause for alarm? I looked up long QT interval and it talked about sudden death
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that there are many causes underlying QT prolongation including:
- Inheritated QT prolongation syndrome ( since birth)
- drug induced (related to the use of anti-arrhythmic drugs, anti-depressants, diuretics,anti-psychotic drugs, anti- allergic drugs, etc..)
- electrolyte imbalances (low calcium, low potassium, etc.).
I would like to know if you are taking any drugs now.
It is also necessary checking your blood electrolytes.
You should know that QT prolongation can lead to severe cardiac arrhythmia, leading to an increased risk for sudden cardiac death.
Coming to this point, I would recommend performing an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring in order to examine your heart rhythm trends for a prolonged time and investigate for possible cardiac arrhythmia.
Starting an anti-arrhythmic drug may be needed.
In case of abnormal electrolytes, supplements would be helpful. In case you are taking any drug which lead to QTprolongation syndrome, switching to another drug may be needed.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that there are many causes underlying QT prolongation including:
- Inheritated QT prolongation syndrome ( since birth)
- drug induced (related to the use of anti-arrhythmic drugs, anti-depressants, diuretics,anti-psychotic drugs, anti- allergic drugs, etc..)
- electrolyte imbalances (low calcium, low potassium, etc.).
I would like to know if you are taking any drugs now.
It is also necessary checking your blood electrolytes.
You should know that QT prolongation can lead to severe cardiac arrhythmia, leading to an increased risk for sudden cardiac death.
Coming to this point, I would recommend performing an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring in order to examine your heart rhythm trends for a prolonged time and investigate for possible cardiac arrhythmia.
Starting an anti-arrhythmic drug may be needed.
In case of abnormal electrolytes, supplements would be helpful. In case you are taking any drug which lead to QTprolongation syndrome, switching to another drug may be needed.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I am not taking any medications right now. They did blood work in the office yesterday. When you say ambulatory do you mean emergency? I don't have an appointment with a cardiologist for over a week. That scares me.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information!
There is no reason to panic!
The ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring also called ECG Holter, is a device similar to the ECG, which you hold on your body for 24-48 hours and it helps register your heart rhythm during this period of time. Later, the registrations are analyses by your doctor at his office.
In my opinion, this is a chronic condition (QT prolongation) and it can wait until consulting with your cardiologist.
In the meantime, I recommend avoiding coffee intake and straining physical activity.
If you feel an erratic heart-pulse, palpitations, shortness of breath, or like fainting going to the ER will be necessary in order to exclude a possible cardiac arrhythmia.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Please stay safe,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information!
There is no reason to panic!
The ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring also called ECG Holter, is a device similar to the ECG, which you hold on your body for 24-48 hours and it helps register your heart rhythm during this period of time. Later, the registrations are analyses by your doctor at his office.
In my opinion, this is a chronic condition (QT prolongation) and it can wait until consulting with your cardiologist.
In the meantime, I recommend avoiding coffee intake and straining physical activity.
If you feel an erratic heart-pulse, palpitations, shortness of breath, or like fainting going to the ER will be necessary in order to exclude a possible cardiac arrhythmia.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Please stay safe,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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