Potentiaily Fatal Heart Disorder Linked To More Than 50 Common Prescription Medications (NAPSA})—A new survey reveals that a danger in medicine tions. Women are more at risk because their hearts normally have longer QT intervals than do men’s hearts. Preventing Drug-Induced Long QT To prevent drug-induced Long QT, doctors can identify patients who are at risk and decide if a medication could cause a heart problem. To protect themselves, chests may not be getting enough abtention. As a result, patients may be at risk from more than 50 prescription medications that can ‘ause a heart rhythm problem. Known as Long QT Syndrome, the condition can lead to fainting and sudden death. These symptoms usually happen without warning. A recent survey of 400 doctors found that many do not have enough information about Long QT to protect patients. While doctors say they know what the condition is, the survey shows they de not recognize its symptoms or patients atrisk. “One in five doctors say they lack information about druginduced Long QT, and one in six don’t know any of its syraptoms,” says G. Michael Vincent, M.D., founder and president of the Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes Foundation (SADS), which sponsored the survey. “This is worrisome, because millions of people take medications that can cause Long QT. We need more doctor and patient awareness to save lives.” The Food and Drug Administration is also worried about the dangers of Long QT. As a result, widely prescribed medications, such as the heartburn drug Propulsid and the allergy drug Seldane, are no longer used. Other drugs that can cause the condition, such as the psychiatric drug Mellard, remain available but are restricted. New medica- patients can: Your medicine cabinet may contain drugs dangerous to your heart. tions with strong warnings about the risks of Long QT enter the market regularly. Long QT Syndrome and Who Is At Risk Long QT delays the recharging of the heart’s electrical system that prepares for the next heartbeat. Anyone can develop the condition and resulting heart rhythm problems. However, sere factors increase the risk. They include taking several medications; taking too much of a medication; and having heart, kidney or liver disease, such as hepatitis. Some people have a number of risk factors. These include people with severe mental illness or heart disease, the elderly and people taking several medica- * Give a list of all their medications to their doctor and pharraacist. Go to only one pharmacist, who can keep track of all their medications. * Do not take drugs they do not need and never take someone else’s medications. Limit alcohol use. * Be cautious when using herbal treatments. * Stop all new drugs immedi- ately and contact their deetor if they faint or feel heart discomfort or palpitations. The SADS Foundation, a non- profit organization established in 1991, is committed to supporting farnihes and individuals with cardiac arrbythmias through education, research and advocacy. Tf you have concerns about Long QT, visit the SADS Foundation Web site, www.sads.org. Brochures on both drug-induced Long QT and inherited Long QT will be available online. Or, write to SADS at 508 E. South Temple, Suite 20, Sali Lake City, Utah, 84102 to request a brochure.
