What do I need to know?

There have been news reports about a medication given to some COVID-19 patients which could cause dangerous arrhythmias

Patients with Long QT Syndrome need to make sure their attending physician is aware of their heart condition, if they are admitted to hospital. Long QT is an inherited condition where there is a delay in the heart’s electrical signals which makes people vulnerable to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Some of the experimental drugs that are being assessed for treating COVID-19 patients may lengthen the QT interval and cause arrhythmias in some individuals. These drugs include chloroquine, an anti-malarial agent, and anti-retroviral drugs.12

Additionally, there are some drugs used to treat, for instance, atrial fibrillation or depression, which may lengthen a person’s QT interval. Therefore, it is important for your doctor to be aware of all the medications you are taking.

If you need to be admitted to hospital, please always make sure you take a complete and up-to-date list of all your medications with you!

Remember: Even during the pandemic, do not delay

Remember: Even during the pandemic, do not delay

Getting medical help quickly can save your life – time is truly of the essence. Hospitals will do their utmost to treat you in a safe environment.

References

1. World Health Organization (WHO) Q&A on coronaviruses 2. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters 3. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control: Information on COVID-19 for specific groups: the elderly, patients with chronic diseases, people with immunocompromising condition and pregnant women 4. EMA gives advice on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories for COVID-19 5. World Heart Federation (WHF): The link between COVID- 19 and CVD 6. COVID-19 and the cardiovascular system 7. Are patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus at increased risk for COVID-19 infection? 8. Position Statement of the ESC Council on Hypertension on ACE-Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers 9. British Heart Foundation: Coronavirus: what it means for you if you have heart or circulatory disease 10. NHS: Stay at home advice 11. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: When and how to use masks 12. COVID-19: chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine only to be used in clinical trials or emergency use programmes 13. WHO: How to handwash 14. WHO : Q&A : Masks and COVID-19 15. COVID-19 and Postinfection Immunity – Limited Evidence, Many Remaining Questions