Methadone induced LQTS

I been a patient of the Pain Management practice at a large state university hospital for over 10 years. For over nine of those years I have been prescribed methadone for my chronic lower back pain. I am currently taking 60mg per day. During my last visit to the clinic my doctor informed ne that he wants me to have an ECG as soon as possible. When I asked him why, he told me that there are recent findings in several lab trials that indicate a relationship between methadone use and heart problems. He described the pcondition to me as problems with the signal to the ventricular valves causing them to delay opening and closing. So I have scheduled the ECG with my GP and immediately started researching this condition on the web.

So it seems there are numerous opinions on whether the data is sufficient to implicate methadone in some of the side effects observed during testing. The numbers show a definite increase in QT intervals, especially in the presence of genetic predisposition for sudden death due to heart attack, and also in the presence of certain other medications.

Given that I am taking methadone, I am overweight, am taking Testosterone injections for low T, and recenlty started taking Benicar and Tekturna for high blood pressure, am I at significant increased risk of a heart attack specifically due to the methadone?

In fact, could my recent episode of hiogh blood pressure been in some way related to my methadone sue? Prior to this incident, my blood pressure stayed in the range of 125-135/70-80 my entire life. Then suddenly started having lower leg edema and when I had my blood pressure checked it was 200/110...it scared the heck out of me. But my GP put me on the meds I mentioned above and my BP went back t normal and my leg edema went away.

Apologies for such a long message...and thanks, in advance, for you response,

ncfatboy

[Jerry_NJ]

The incidence of heart rhythm goes up with age.  Given that the medical research people are now only speculating (that's how I read your post) that there is a possible correlation between methadone and heart rhythm problems it is nothing I (I'd guess all) can make statements about.

But, just guessing, I say you, as am I, are predisposed (inherited physical condition) to heart rhythm problems.  This isn't about me, but I can also point to some other problems that may have contributed to my AFib, but no one really knows... it just happend to me.  

A beta blocker for high BP should, or may, help reduce any risks of a heart attack.  

What is your family heart history - blood line, mom, dad, brothers and sisters.  If none had any heart problems that's a good sign for you situation.

Wishing good luck with your examination by your GP... he may recommend seeing a cardiologist.