Resistant Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia in a Patient Taking Raspberry Ketones Weight Loss Supplement

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology

Background:

• A 32-year-old female without prior cardiac history presented with a perianal abscess.
• During hospitalization, she experienced pulseless electrical activity arrest, successfully resuscitated.
• Subsequently, she developed polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Observation:

• Following transfer to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the patient developed polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT).
• The PVT was refractory to standard medical treatments, requiring 33 defibrillation shocks.
• Arrhythmia termination was achieved using a temporary transvenous pacemaker with overdrive pacing.

Findings:

• Extensive evaluation revealed no identifiable cause for the resistant arrhythmia.
• The patient had recently initiated use of over-the-counter weight loss supplements containing raspberry ketones.
• Raspberry ketones were identified as a potential cardiotoxic ingredient contributing to the event.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential cardiotoxicity of unregulated over-the-counter supplements, such as raspberry ketones.
• It emphasizes the critical need for comprehensive patient history, including supplement use, in managing unexplained cardiac arrhythmias.
• Further research into the cardiovascular effects of raspberry ketones and similar ingredients is warranted.