Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
Torsades de pointes, torsade de pointes or torsades des pointes (TdP; also called torsades) (/ t ɔːr ˌ s ɑː d d ə ˈ p w æ̃ t /, [2] French: [tɔʁsad də pwɛ̃t̪], translated as "twisting of peaks") is a specific type of abnormal heart rhythm that can lead to sudden cardiac death.
Excessive QT prolongation can trigger tachycardias such as torsades de pointes (TdP). QT prolongation is an established side effect of antiarrhythmics, but can also be caused by a wide range of non-cardiac medicines, including antibiotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, opioids, and complementary medicines.
An important differential diagnosis is torsades de pointes. [1] Treatment is with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation. [3] Biphasic defibrillation may be better than monophasic. [3] The medication epinephrine or amiodarone may be given if initial treatments are not effective. [1]
Torsades de pointes: 2 points T-wave alternans: 1 point Notched T-waves in at least 3 leads 1 point Low heart rate for age (children) 0.5 points Syncope with stress 2 points Cannot receive points both for syncope and Torsades without stress 1 point Congenital deafness 0.5 points Family history Other family member with confirmed LQTS 1 point
CPR can prolong the survival of the brain in the lack of a normal pulse, but defibrillation is the only intervention that can restore a healthy heart rhythm. Defibrillation is performed by applying an electric shock to the heart, which resets the cells, permitting a normal beat to re-establish itself.
Torsades de pointes – A type of ventricular tachycardia with a characteristic ECG appearance that can progress to ventricular fibrillation. Ventricular fibrillation (vfib) – Fibrillation of the ventricles is a life-threatening arrhythmia and should be treated by defibrillation and is a medical emergency. Vfib results from uncoordinated ...
Early afterdepolarizations can result in torsades de pointes, tachycardia, and other arrhythmias. [3] EADs can be triggered by hypokalemia and drugs that prolong the QT interval, including class Ia and III antiarrhythmic agents, as well as catecholamines. [1] Afterhyperpolarizations can also occur in cortical pyramidal neurons.
These factors include a history of characteristic abnormal heart rhythms (Torsades de Pointes), unexplained blackouts , and a family history of confirmed LQT syndrome. Genetic testing to identify variants in the KCNQ1 or KCNE1 genes can also be used. [8]