Meds, Electrolytes (contributing To VT)

Your Path

  • Meds, Electrolytes (contributing to VT)

Etiology

  • Acquired long QT syndrome associated w/many meds, including anti-arrhythmic agents
  • Severe hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalcemia can all contribute
  • Stimulant drugs/toxins (e.g. cocaine, meth)
  • May have predisposing condition (e.g. depressed LV fxn, congenital long qt), where superimposed second process (as above) leads to VT
  • Medical conditions that lead to electrolyte abnormalities (e.g. renal failure) or impaired ability to clear toxins (e.g. liver, kidney disease)

Symptoms

  • Presyncope, syncope, sudden death