Lown-Ganong-Levine Syndrome Medication

  • Author: Daniel M Beyerbach, MD, PhD; Chief Editor: Jeffrey N Rottman, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 4, 2012
 

Medication Summary

No medication therapy is specific to LGL. The goals of therapy are to identify the cause of tachycardia and to treat this cause appropriately.

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Beta-blockers

Class Summary

Inhibit chronotropic, inotropic, and vasodilatory responses to beta-adrenergic stimulation and slow AV nodal conduction.

Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)

 

Selective beta1-adrenergic receptor blocker that decreases automaticity of contractions. During IV administration, carefully monitor BP, heart rate, and ECG.

Atenolol (Tenormin)

 

Selectively blocks beta1-receptors with little or no effect on beta2 types.

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Calcium channel blockers (nondihydropyridine)

Class Summary

In specialized conducting and automatic cells in the heart, calcium is involved in the generation of the action potential. Calcium channel blockers inhibit movement of calcium ions across the cell membrane, depressing both impulse formation (automaticity) and conduction velocity.

Verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin)

 

Can diminish PVCs associated with perfusion therapy and decrease risk of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. By interrupting reentry at AV node, can restore normal sinus rhythm in patients with PSVT.

Diltiazem (Cardizem)

 

During depolarization, inhibits calcium ions from entering slow channels and voltage-sensitive areas of vascular smooth muscle and myocardium.

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Cardiac glycosides

Class Summary

Decrease AV nodal conduction, primarily by increasing vagal tone.

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

 

Cardiac glycoside with direct inotropic effects in addition to indirect effects on cardiovascular system. Acts directly on cardiac muscle, increasing myocardial systolic contractions. Indirect actions result in increased carotid sinus nerve activity and enhanced sympathetic withdrawal for any given increase in mean arterial pressure.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Daniel M Beyerbach, MD, PhD  Medical Director, Cardiac Rhythm Program, The Christ Hospital; Affiliate Clinical Assistant Professor of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University

Daniel M Beyerbach, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Cardiology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Christopher Cadman, MD  Director of Arrhythmia Service, Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of New Mexico

Christopher Cadman, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Cardiology and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Justin D Pearlman, MD, ME, PhD, FACC, MA  Chief, Division of Cardiology, Director of Cardiology Consultative Service, Director of Cardiology Clinic Service, Director of Cardiology Non-Invasive Laboratory, Director of Cardiology Quality Program KMC, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Dartmouth Medical School

Justin D Pearlman, MD, ME, PhD, FACC, MA is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Cardiology, American College of Physicians, American Federation for Medical Research, International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, and Radiological Society of North America

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Frank M Sheridan, MD  Cardiology, Providence Everett Medical Center

Frank M Sheridan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Amer Suleman, MD  Private Practice

Amer Suleman, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians, American Heart Association, American Institute of Stress, American Society of Hypertension, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, Royal Society of Medicine, and Society of Cardiac Angiography and Interventions

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Jeffrey N Rottman, MD  Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Chief, Department of Cardiology, Nashville Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Jeffrey N Rottman, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Heart Association and North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (NASPE)

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

Christopher Cadman, MD, contributed to the original version of this article.

References
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ECG demonstrating a short PR interval of approximately 100 ms and normal QRS.
ECG demonstrating ventricular preexcitation. A delta wave, which corresponds to initial myocardial depolarization via a bypass tract, appears at the beginning of each QRS complex.
 
 
 
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