Torsades de Pointes is a medical condition involving ventricular tachycardia, in which the lower heart chambers (ventricles) beat more rapidly than the upper heart chambers (atria). This condition can lead to a heartbeat between 150 and 300 beats per minute, compared to the normal range of 60 to 100 beats per minute.
This medical condition can resolve on its own, but it can also be life-threatening in severe cases, causing death due to cardiac arrest. Therefore, it is essential to recognize its symptoms early on and consult a healthcare professional for effective treatment.
Read more to understand its symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.
It is not always easy to recognize Torsades de Pointes because about 50% of patients do not have any symptoms. However, in certain cases, Torsades de Pointes causes the following signs and symptoms:
An unusual type of heart rhythm disturbance called the Long QT Syndrome results in Torsades de Pointes. Patients with the syndrome exhibit a prolonged QT interval in their Torsades de Pointes ECG or electrocardiogram.
Additionally, Torsades de Pointes can occur due to the inheritance of Long QT syndrome or, more commonly, because of certain medicines that can induce the former. These medications adversely affect the electrical activity of the heart.
These can be:
Torsades de Pointes can also develop due to the following medical conditions:
High-risk factors for Torsades de Pointes can be:
Accurate diagnosis of Torsades de Pointes is crucial to differentiate it from other kinds of ventricular tachycardia, i.e., caused by reasons other than Long QT interval syndrome.
Medical professionals usually diagnose long QT intervals and Torsades de Pointes by the following tests:
This easy-to-perform and reliable test measures the heartbeat as electrical impulses. Electrodes placed on the chest and legs help record the heart rhythm:
Doctors can also diagnose Torsades de Pointes by checking the blood levels of electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Electrolytes help conduct electrical impulses in the heart and keep a steady and stable heart rate. Low potassium (hypokalemia) and low magnesium (hypomagnesemia) levels in the blood are classic indicators of a prolonged QT interval due to disruption of the conduction of electrical impulses.
The electrical activity of the heart can be monitored at home, which can be done by:
Holter monitoring is a unique diagnostic method for detecting cardiac conditions, including long QT intervals and Torsades de Pointes. A small portable device (Holter) is worn for 1-3 days while the patients perform their routine activities.
The Holter records the heartbeat or electrical activity of the heart during this period. A healthcare professional then obtains an electrocardiogram using the information on the Holter to assess the QT interval length and subsequent Torsades de Pointes.
This diagnostic method also employs a mobile device that needs to be worn for up to one month or until key symptoms present themselves. The patient switches on a button to note any arising symptoms.
With the advancement of technology, some wearable devices like smartwatches also have the option of electrocardiogram monitoring. However, before monitoring yourself using such devices, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider.
Torsades de Pointes treatment can be for both congenital Long QT syndrome and one induced by medicine.
In the case of medicine-induced Torsades de Pointes, a medical professional can withdraw medicines that prolong the QT intervals or give alternatives to treat it. Medical devices can also be used for the condition.
The medicines given for Torsades de Pointes treatment can be :
Medical devices used to treat this condition include:
This is a battery-run medical device implanted under the skin. It spontaneously detects and revives the normal rhythm of the heart. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator can be a boon for a patient in cardiac arrest in severe cases of Torsades de Pointes.
This method uses an electric current to revive the heart's normal rhythm and prevent further arrhythmias. It stops the heart temporarily to restore the functioning of the heart cells.
This device can also be implanted under the chest in case of Torsades de Pointes, to increase the heart rate and regulate the heart rhythm.
Torsades de Pointes is a heart condition involving rapid heart rate or tachycardia. Recognizing symptoms like fainting, palpitations, and dizziness is vital for quick and effective treatment. Consult a healthcare provider to make a customized plan to treat your condition to ensure a balance of optimum health and finances.
Furthermore, based on the patient’s condition, Torsades de Pointes treatment costs can be on the higher side. In this regard, having a health insurance plan can ensure that you gain access to quality treatment without any delays due to inadequate finances.
At Star Health, our insurance policies cover a wide range of medical conditions. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.
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