Diseases
torsades de pointes
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Torsades de Pointes is a specific type of ventricular tachycardia, or fast heart rhythm that begins in your heart ventricles. You can get it if you inherited Long QT syndrome or if you take certain medicines. Although Torsades de Pointes can be deadly if untreated, treatment greatly improves your outlook.
Symptoms
- dizziness.
- palpitations (feeling the heart pounding).
- lightheadedness.
- syncope (fainting).
- cardiac arrest.
Causes
- antifungals.
- antibiotics.
- antipsychotics.
Risk factors
- having long qt syndrome that you inherited from the parents.
- having heart disease.
- being a woman. or being older than 65.
Diagnosis
- electrocardiogram (ekg).
- echocardiogram.
- blood tests to check electrolyte levels.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is torsades de pointes?
Torsades de Pointes is a specific type of ventricular tachycardia, or fast heart rhythm that begins in your heart ventricles. You can get it if you inherited Long QT syndrome or if you take certain medicines. Although Torsades de Pointes can be deadly if untreated, treatment greatly improves your outlook.
What are the symptoms of torsades de pointes?
dizziness., palpitations (feeling the heart pounding)., lightheadedness., syncope (fainting)., cardiac arrest.
What causes torsades de pointes?
antifungals.; antibiotics.; antipsychotics.
Which medicines are used for torsades de pointes?
magnesium sulphate
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