A story of compassionate care from cardiologist Barry Love, MD:
Angelica is a 27-year-old woman with Congenital Long QT syndrome (LQTS). LQTS is an inherited condition where the heart takes longer than normal to reset after each electrical beat. Because of this, patients are at risk for sudden, life-threatening rhythm problems that can lead to fainting, seizures, and even sudden death. Angelica first came to us at 19 years of age when she had worrisome episodes of fainting. After a full evaluation, we decided she needed an implantable defibrillator. In the event of a serious life-threatening rhythm problem, the defibrillator could shock the heart back into a normal rhythm. Despite medication, Angelica has had three life-saving shocks from her defibrillator over the years.
Late last week, Angelica called to say she had experienced another shock from her defibrillator. Although she was feeling well, the defibrillator was programmed to alarm daily after a shock to remind the patient of the need to get the device checked. Angelica’s defibrillator alarm was ringing daily and worrying her. Normally, a patient like this would be seen in the office to do a simple reprogramming of the defibrillator. However Angelica’s only way to come to the hospital was by subway. We had heightened concern about her contracting COVID-19 because the drugs used to treat COVID (hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin) cannot be safely used in Long QT patients.
We arranged a home visit on Sunday, where I met Angelica at her apartment in Queens. Using a portable defibrillator programmer, I reprogrammed the defibrillator. Angelica was saved a trip to the hospital, and I was also able to do some grocery shopping for my mother-in-law, who lives close by!