When your heart’s electrical system takes too long to reset between beats, it’s called QT prolongation, a delay in the heart’s electrical recovery phase that can trigger life-threatening arrhythmias. Also known as long QT syndrome, it’s not always genetic—often, it’s caused by medications you’re already taking. This isn’t just a lab number. It’s a real risk that can lead to torsades de pointes, a type of irregular heartbeat that can cause fainting, seizures, or sudden death.
Many common drugs—antibiotics, antidepressants, heart meds, and even some antihistamines—can interfere with the heart’s electrical cycle. For example, SSRIs, a class of antidepressants used for depression and anxiety, are linked to QT prolongation when mixed with other drugs like 5-HTP. Polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications at once, especially in older adults, multiplies this risk. The more pills you take, the higher the chance of a dangerous interaction. Even something as simple as combining a cold medicine with an antidepressant can push your QT interval into danger zone.
It’s not just about the drugs themselves—it’s about who’s taking them. Seniors on diuretics, people with kidney or liver issues, and those with existing heart conditions are at higher risk. Heat can make it worse, too. If you’re on meds that affect your heart rhythm and you’re dehydrated in summer, your body has less buffer to handle the stress. That’s why medication safety, the practice of using drugs in a way that minimizes harm isn’t just advice—it’s survival.
You won’t feel QT prolongation until it’s too late. That’s why doctors check ECGs before and after starting certain drugs. If you’ve ever had unexplained dizziness, palpitations, or passed out after starting a new pill, ask your doctor about your QT interval. It’s a simple test, but it can save your life. The posts below show exactly which medications are most likely to cause this issue, how to spot hidden risks in your current regimen, and what to do if you’re taking multiple drugs that might interact. No fluff. Just what you need to know to protect your heart.
Over 400 medications can trigger dangerous heart rhythm problems. Learn the warning signs like palpitations and dizziness, which drugs are most risky, and how to prevent or manage drug-induced arrhythmias before it’s too late.