sotolol

  I have non sustained vtach.During my eps a long run was not able to be induced. I worked up to 200mg a day on toprol xl without any improvements seen with a 24 hr holter.Approximately 49,000 beats in a 24 four period.My ejection fraction is 50 %.I have bigeminy.Angiogram showed clear coronary arteies.My doctor is now recommending a 4 day hospital stay while trying sotolol. I am confused as to why and is this the logical approach to combat this tye of irregular heart function.Can you recommend a web site that may explain this ionic problem I am told I have?It is very difficult for me to understand.  looking for somewhere or someone to put it in simpler terms.  Thank you.
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Dear Rb
Sotalol is a useful medication to treat ventricular arrhythmias. For safety reasons, it is best initiated in the hospital while on continuous cardiac monitoring, as it can sometimes cause or worsen arrhythmias. As far as whether it is the right thing to do at all, that depends on how much the bigeminy and nonsustained vtach bother you.
I hope this is useful. Feel free to write back. I wish you the best of luck.
If you would like to set up an appointment with one of our cardiologists here at the Cleveland Clinic please feel free to call 1-800-CCF-CARE.
Information provided in the Heart Forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only. Actual diagnosis and treatment of any particular medical condition can only be made by your physician(s).