Case Report
Published: Aug 28, 2025 | DOI: 10.24911/ejmcr.9-1685
Ventricular tachycardia with long QT interval following consumption of ginseng
Authors:
Dr. Avitso Liegise
, Ms. Lanu Naro
, Ms. Pouveine David
, Ms. Gailuna Maringmei
, Dr. Krosakhol Pucho
Article Info
Authors
Ms. Lanu Naro
CIHSR
Ms. Pouveine David
CIHSR
Ms. Gailuna Maringmei
CIHSR
Dr. Krosakhol Pucho
CIHSR
Publication History
Received: May 07, 2025
Accepted: August 11, 2025
Published: August 28, 2025
Abstract
Background: Ginseng has been used as a traditional medicinal herb for thousands of years. It is used for the treatment of various ailments, including gastrointestinal disturbances, metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus, and even cancer. However, indiscriminate use can lead to serious cardiac emergencies, as observed in a case of life-threatening ventricular tachycardia that developed after consuming ginseng for several days.
Case Presentation: A 38-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department (ED) with sudden-onset palpitations and recurrent episodes of syncope. On arrival, her ECG indicated an irregular rhythm marked by premature ventricular complexes that escalated into pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), necessitating defibrillation. Subsequent electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed a significantly prolonged QT interval. Treatment was initiated with intravenous magnesium and potassium (serum potassium 3 mmol/L), along with an oral beta-blocker (Metoprolol succinate 25 mg once daily). These interventions successfully prevented further VT episodes. It was later revealed that she had been taking ginseng regularly for the treatment of haemorrhoids.
Conclusion: The consumption of ginseng can have potentially life-threatening consequences. Raising awareness about the potential adverse effects of indiscriminate use is crucial. Medical professionals should enquire about the use of herbal supplements in patients presenting with unexplained cardiac arrhythmias.
Keywords: Long QT; ventricular tachycardia; ginseng
Pubmed Style
Dr. Avitso Liegise, Ms. Lanu Naro, Ms. Pouveine David, Ms. Gailuna Maringmei, Dr. Krosakhol Pucho . Ventricular tachycardia with long QT interval following consumption of ginseng . EJMCR. 2025; 28 (August 2025): -. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-1685
Web Style
Dr. Avitso Liegise, Ms. Lanu Naro, Ms. Pouveine David, Ms. Gailuna Maringmei, Dr. Krosakhol Pucho . Ventricular tachycardia with long QT interval following consumption of ginseng . https://ejmcr.com/index.php/articles/1685 [Access: September 10, 2025]. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-1685
AMA (American Medical Association) Style
Dr. Avitso Liegise, Ms. Lanu Naro, Ms. Pouveine David, Ms. Gailuna Maringmei, Dr. Krosakhol Pucho . Ventricular tachycardia with long QT interval following consumption of ginseng . EJMCR. 2025; 28 (August 2025): -. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-1685
Vancouver/ICMJE Style
Dr. Avitso Liegise, Ms. Lanu Naro, Ms. Pouveine David, Ms. Gailuna Maringmei, Dr. Krosakhol Pucho . Ventricular tachycardia with long QT interval following consumption of ginseng . EJMCR. (2025), [cited September 10, 2025]; 28 (August 2025): -. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-1685
Harvard Style
Dr. Avitso Liegise, Ms. Lanu Naro, Ms. Pouveine David, Ms. Gailuna Maringmei, Dr. Krosakhol Pucho (2025) Ventricular tachycardia with long QT interval following consumption of ginseng . EJMCR, 28 (August 2025): -. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-1685
Chicago Style
Dr. Avitso Liegise, Ms. Lanu Naro, Ms. Pouveine David, Ms. Gailuna Maringmei, Dr. Krosakhol Pucho . "Ventricular tachycardia with long QT interval following consumption of ginseng ." 28 (2025), -. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-1685
MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style
Dr. Avitso Liegise, Ms. Lanu Naro, Ms. Pouveine David, Ms. Gailuna Maringmei, Dr. Krosakhol Pucho . "Ventricular tachycardia with long QT interval following consumption of ginseng ." 28.August 2025 (2025), -. Print. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-1685
APA (American Psychological Association) Style
Dr. Avitso Liegise, Ms. Lanu Naro, Ms. Pouveine David, Ms. Gailuna Maringmei, Dr. Krosakhol Pucho (2025) Ventricular tachycardia with long QT interval following consumption of ginseng . , 28 (August 2025), -. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-1685