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SheltieLover

(57,073 posts)
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 04:37 AM Apr 2020

Mayo Clinic cardiologist: 'Inexcusable' to ignore hydroxychloroquine side effects

[link:https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/mayo-clinic-cardiologist-inexcusable-ignore-hydroxychloroquine-side-effects-n1178776|

After observing the debate over hydroxychloroquine on TV news and in social media, Dr. Michael Ackerman, a genetic cardiologist who is director of the Mayo Clinic's Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic, took the unusual step in late March of issuing guidance for physicians.

Mayo Clinic cardiologist: 'Inexcusable' to ignore hydroxychloroquine side effects
While safe for most, the drug carries serious side effects for some, including sudden cardiac arrest.

"What disturbed me the most was when I was seeing not political officials say these medications are safe but seeing on the news cardiologists and infectious disease specialists say" hydroxychloroquine "is completely safe without even mentioning this rare side effect," Ackerman said in an interview.
"That's inexcusable," he added.

Ackerman and his Mayo Clinic colleagues created a cardiac algorithm, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, to help physicians more safely prescribe hydroxychloroquine by identifying patients at greatest risk for drug-induced sudden cardiac death.

17 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Mayo Clinic cardiologist: 'Inexcusable' to ignore hydroxychloroquine side effects (Original Post) SheltieLover Apr 2020 OP
This rare side effect (nt) SlimJimmy Apr 2020 #1
Yeah, The One You Die From ProfessorGAC Apr 2020 #9
End of disease side effects. SlimJimmy Apr 2020 #10
No Idea What You're Talking About ProfessorGAC Apr 2020 #11
It's important to note that the side effects are primarily related to end care SlimJimmy Apr 2020 #12
The side effects are related to people with certain heart diseases StarryNite Apr 2020 #16
It's not the hcq that's the issue. SlimJimmy Apr 2020 #17
Recent study showed up to 11% of coronavirus patients could have cardiac side effects: wishstar Apr 2020 #2
Perhaps this drug is the reason? SheltieLover Apr 2020 #3
You are correct. This drug has known cardiac side effects. SlimJimmy Apr 2020 #14
Thanks for confirming SheltieLover Apr 2020 #15
Here's the REAL article from the Mayo Clinic... important! 4139 Apr 2020 #4
" smartphone-enabled mobile ECG device" are really inexpensive... 4139 Apr 2020 #5
Awesome! SheltieLover Apr 2020 #7
I see lots of "wrongful" death lawsuits coming in the future beachbumbob Apr 2020 #6
Probably SheltieLover Apr 2020 #8
I don't believe many of them will have merit since the SlimJimmy Apr 2020 #13

ProfessorGAC

(64,425 posts)
11. No Idea What You're Talking About
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 03:18 PM
Apr 2020

It was a passing remark about the possibility of dying from cardiac arrest.
The frequency or likelihood is not at issue.
So, your comment seems a non sequitur.

SlimJimmy

(3,171 posts)
12. It's important to note that the side effects are primarily related to end care
Mon Apr 13, 2020, 01:44 AM
Apr 2020

patients. Not newly diagnosed or mild infections.

StarryNite

(9,366 posts)
16. The side effects are related to people with certain heart diseases
Mon Apr 13, 2020, 02:40 AM
Apr 2020

It doesn't matter when it's given, this drug can prolong the QT which can be lethal in people who already have a prolonged QT such as those with Long QT Syndrome.

SlimJimmy

(3,171 posts)
17. It's not the hcq that's the issue.
Tue Apr 14, 2020, 02:44 AM
Apr 2020

It's combining it with the zpac. Please do not spread disinformation as it confuses folks. Most of the known side effects are occuring with end stage patients. Hcq on its own has been safe and effective for over 50 years. End of story.

wishstar

(5,267 posts)
2. Recent study showed up to 11% of coronavirus patients could have cardiac side effects:
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 04:52 AM
Apr 2020

"While hydroxychloroquine is likely to be safe for 90 percent of the population, Ackerman said, it could pose serious and potentially lethal risks to a small number of those susceptible to heart conditions, especially those with other chronic medical problems already on multiple medications.

In fact, a small recent study showed that up to 11 percent of coronavirus patients on hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin are in the so-called "red zone" for potential cardiac side effects."

SheltieLover

(57,073 posts)
3. Perhaps this drug is the reason?
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 05:02 AM
Apr 2020

I know I had read some years ago that azythromyacin was a cardiac risk to patients with lyme disease. Maybe it is the combo? Dunno but anything dump says is a lie, so I personally would opt for different trearment.

4139

(1,893 posts)
4. Here's the REAL article from the Mayo Clinic... important!
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 05:12 AM
Apr 2020

Dr. Ackerman says that patients under 40 with mild symptoms and a QTc greater than or equal to 500 milliseconds may choose to avoid treatment altogether, as the arrhythmia risk may far outweigh the risk of developing COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, in COVID-19 patients with a QTc greater than or equal to 500 milliseconds who have progressively worsening respiratory symptoms or are at greater risk of respiratory complications due to advanced age, immunosuppression or having another high-risk condition, the potential benefit of QTc-prolonging medicines may exceed the arrhythmia risk.

"Importantly, the vast majority of patients ― about 90% ― are going to be QTc cleared with a 'green light go' and can proceed, being at extremely low risk for this side effect," says Dr. Ackerman.
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-provides-urgent-guidance-approach-to-identify-patients-at-risk-of-drug-induced-sudden-cardiac-death-from-use-of-off-label-covid-19-treatments/

4139

(1,893 posts)
5. " smartphone-enabled mobile ECG device" are really inexpensive...
Wed Apr 8, 2020, 05:28 AM
Apr 2020

The Mayo article talks about them... they range from $89 to $189....

Whodathunkit!

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