The Risk of Breakthrough Cardiac Events Associated With Psychiatric Medications in Patients With Diagnosed and Clinically Treated Long QT Syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a potentially life-threatening genetic heart disease. Because many psychiatric medications have QT-prolonging potential, there is hesitation when prescribing them to LQTS patients with concomitant psychiatric disorders, which may lead to suboptimal mental health care.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate the incidence of breakthrough cardiac events (BCEs) in patients with diagnosed and clinically treated LQTS on QT-prolonging psychiatric medications.

METHODS

Review of LQTS patients seen at the Mayo Clinic between January 2000 and December 2023 with a concomitant psychiatric diagnosis requiring medications with a QT-prolonging potential was performed. Follow-up time was defined as time from first evaluation in our clinic to the last communication for any LQTS-associated BCEs.

RESULTS

Among 195 of 1,787 patients (11%) placed on psychiatric drugs (150 [76%] female, mean age at LQTS diagnosis 27 ± 18 years), the most common psychiatric disorders were depression (141 [71%]) and anxiety (120 [62%]). The most common prescribed medications were fluoxetine (53 [26%]), sertraline (27 [14%]) and escitalopram (22 [11%]). Before their first Mayo Clinic evaluation, 61 of 195 patients (31%) had at least 1 BCE. This occurred while on psychiatric medications for 7 patients (11%). Following their first Mayo Clinic evaluation, 14 of 195 patients (7%) had at least 1 BCE. This occurred while on psychiatric medications for 3 patients (21%). The 3 events happened in the setting of other known arrhythmia triggers including treatment noncompliance and electrolyte abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

After correct diagnosis and treatment, LQTS patients with concomitant mental health issues may be safely and effectively treated with QT-prolonging psychiatric medications.