The Canadian journal of cardiology
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To review the cardiovascular effects of psychotropic drugs when used in therapeutic doses and to assess their clinical relevance for cardiologists. Information on newer psychopharmacological agents is also presented. ⋯ The adverse cardiovascular effects of psychotropic medications in therapeutic doses are a valid concern for cardiologists. Familiarity with these drugs and their interactions is essential to avoid important undesired reactions with potential fatal consequences.
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The risk of torsades de pointes in patients on sotalol is increased in the setting of renal failure. QT dispersion and prolonged QT intervals have been described as markers for pro-arrhythmia. Four cases of torsades de pointes caused by low dose sotalol in patients with renal failure are reported. All four cases demonstrated that the 12-lead electrocardiogram, with markedly prolonged QT intervals and increased QT dispersion, could have been used to predict pro-arrhythmia.