Long QT?

I had severe palpitations with tachycardia last week after I started taking a quinilone drug.  I have a history of PVC's but these were way worse.  I went to the ER to be checked out and was told I was fine.  I have since stopped the drug and am now taking a safer antibiotic.

I read that quinilones can prolong the QT interval.  I got a peek of my EKG before the tech took it out of the room while I was at the ER and I saw two numbers....350/450 and I think that was next to the QTs (or maybe it was QRs) interval.  From what I understand, 450 is high.

Does that mean I have prolonged QT?  The ER doc said my EKG was normal but then again, he acted irritated that I was there to begin with.  I've heard that alot of ER docs miss QT prolongation on the EKG.

[anacyde]

Quinolone drugs pose a QT prolongation risk to individuals with known LQTS, not the general population without it.  Though I understand your worries.

ER doctors don't always possess the greatest bedside manners, but it's the nature of their jobs.  It doesn't mean they don't care about you, though you might feel that way at the time.

As far as the increase in your PVC symptoms, I'd bet that has a lot more to do with whatever you're taking the medication for than it does with the medication itself.