Angina drug proves to treat long QT syndrome
April 1, 2008 by Kendra James, RN
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
As many as 1000 deaths each year are associated with long QT syndrome. This very scary cardiac arrhythmia puts teen and young persons at risk for sudden cardiac arrest, usually ending in death. These same young ladies and gents have healthy hearts otherwise.
Researchers have found that a drug that is used in cases of angina can safely help to treat QT syndrome…
In the current, pilot study, researchers found that a drug, ranolazine (brand name Ranexa, CV Therapeutics) shortens the QT interval by about 5 percent; just enough to reduce symptoms and risks associated with one form of LQTS (LQT3-deltaKPQ)
What happens in long QT syndrome? Changes to ion channels cause channel proteins to leak charged particles which alters the timing of the heartbeat. Isn’t it really crazy how our body functions- amazing!
The drug in the pilot study, Ranolazine, was found to block late sodium ion current in those patients with mutations of the long QT in these circumstances.
via Science Daily
