Post Visit I - QT Preventative Measures

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Jun 12, 2019 | Katrina Sorensen, Research Coordinator | @katrinasorensen

If you have an upcoming appointment at the Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic and are wondering what you can do in the meantime for your QT heart health, or if you've recently had an appointment with us and want to review the simple QT preventive safety measures you discussed with Dr. Ackerman, the following video is for you!

Below, Dr. Michael J. Ackerman, a genetic cardiologist at Mayo Clinic and director of Mayo Clinic's Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic, reviews the five overarching QT preventative safety measures that patients with long QT syndrome (LQTS) should always observe.

1. Avoid drugs, prescription and over-the-counter, with known QT prolonging potential. Medications can be checked at www.crediblemeds.org.
2. Stay well hydrated - always maintain good electrolyte and hydration levels
3. Avoid heat stroke and heat exhaustion and be sure to take Tylenol or ibuprofen to lower body temperature during febrile illnesses
4. A soft recommendation is to include fish oil or omega-3 supplements in your diet, although there is currently no human data that provides proof that this is QT protective.
5. Learn CPR and obtain an automatic external defibrillator (AED