What it is
Fever, some medicines, alcohol and large meals can set off abnormal rhythms, so fever is treated promptly and certain medicines are avoided.
People at higher risk may be offered an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Close relatives are usually offered testing.
Common signs
- Often no symptoms
- Fainting, especially at rest, during sleep or with fever
- Palpitations
- Gasping breaths at night
How it is usually diagnosed
- ECG
- A drug challenge test in hospital to reveal the pattern
- Genetic testing
- Heart monitoring
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- ECG reports
- Drug challenge and genetic test results
- ICD details and check reports
- A list of medicines to avoid
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is my risk, and do I need an ICD?
- Which medicines should I avoid?
- Which relatives should be tested?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Fainting, especially during a fever: call 112
- If someone collapses and is not breathing normally, call 112 and start CPR
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.