DOI: 10.1177/10398562231224156 ISSN: 1039-8562
Clozapine-related tachycardia: A conundrum to identify and treat
Dermot Brennan, Sweta Lal, Frans Hugo, Flavie Waters, Gordon Shymko- Psychiatry and Mental health
Objective
This study examined the rates and persistence of clozapine-induced tachycardia and heart-rate differences in patients treated with β-blockers in the largest sample of patients with a psychotic disorder to date.
Method
An audit of medical files for 101 patients who attended a clozapine community clinic and analysis of monthly measurements of resting heart rates.
Results
51% met the clinical criteria for tachycardia. Heart rates were stable over time. β-blockers were associated with small but significant reductions in heart rates.
Conclusion
The cardiovascular risks of clozapine are often overlooked. β-blockers are useful in lowering heart rates but they may be insufficient to reduce cardiac risk.