Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
12:45

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing

Published on: December 11, 2017

Clozapine associated dilated cardiomyopathy

M A Tanner1, W Culling

  • 1Cardiology Department, Kingston Hospital NHS Trust. marktanner@lycos.co.uk

Postgraduate Medical Journal
|August 5, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Clozapine, an antipsychotic, can rarely cause serious heart problems like dilated cardiomyopathy, even years after starting treatment. Persistent sinus tachycardia may be the only early sign, necessitating vigilant cardiac monitoring in patients on clozapine.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Clozapine is an essential atypical antipsychotic medication used for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
  • While effective, clozapine carries known risks, including agranulocytosis and metabolic syndrome.
  • Cardiac complications, though rare, are a serious concern associated with clozapine therapy.

Observation:

  • A 31-year-old male patient on long-term clozapine therapy (6 years) presented with persistent sinus tachycardia.
  • Electrocardiogram revealed sinus tachycardia, left ventricular hypertrophy, and a prolonged QTc interval.
  • Echocardiography indicated the presence of dilated cardiomyopathy.

Findings:

  • The patient's presentation suggests a potential association between long-term clozapine use and the development of dilated cardiomyopathy.
  • Sinus tachycardia, often overlooked, can be a critical early indicator of clozapine-induced cardiac toxicity.
  • Cardiac adverse events from clozapine can manifest insidiously, potentially years after treatment initiation.

Implications:

  • Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for cardiac complications in all patients receiving clozapine, regardless of treatment duration.
  • Routine cardiac monitoring, including ECG and echocardiography, should be considered for patients on long-term clozapine.
  • Informing patients about potential cardiac symptoms and ensuring prompt medical evaluation are crucial for early detection and management of clozapine-related cardiotoxicity.

More Related Videos

A Doxorubicin-induced Cardiomyopathy Model in Adult Zebrafish08:09

A Doxorubicin-induced Cardiomyopathy Model in Adult Zebrafish

Published on: June 7, 2018

A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo05:14

A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo

Published on: May 16, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...