Ginseng: a potential cause of long QT

J Electrocardiol. 2011 May-Jun;44(3):357-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2010.08.007. Epub 2010 Oct 2.

Abstract

Ginseng is a frequently used food additive and considered to be relatively safe. Long QT syndrome can be hereditary or acquired. It presents as syncope, sudden cardiac death, or seizures. We report the novel case of a female patient without cardiovascular risk factors who developed prolonged QT with subsequent torsades de pointes during periods in which she was drinking large amounts of ginseng.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Long QT Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Long QT Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Panax / adverse effects*