That's understandably worrying, and it's completely natural to wonder whether hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) could be connected after 28 years of use. The waiting game for more information is never easy.
HCQ can, in rare cases, affect heart rhythm — specifically something called QT prolongation. This is where the heart's Show Full Answer
That's understandably worrying, and it's completely natural to wonder whether hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) could be connected after 28 years of use. The waiting game for more information is never easy.
HCQ can, in rare cases, affect heart rhythm — specifically something called QT prolongation. This is where the heart's electrical system takes longer than normal to reset between beats, which can potentially lead to an irregular or rapid heartbeat.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- A fast or irregular heartbeat
- A "thumping" sensation in your chest
It's really important to let your doctor know about any of these symptoms right away. That said, lupus itself can also affect the heart, so it's not automatically the medication at fault. Only your medical team, with the full scan results, will be able to piece that together properly.
The most important thing right now is to make sure your rheumatologist is aware of the echocardiogram findings — if they aren't already — so they can work alongside your cardiologist. You're already on the right path by getting further imaging done.
May 11
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