The drug primarily treats reflux, a digestive disorder in which stomach acids flow back up into the throat and esophagus. These drugs are among many disorder in the electrical system of the ventricles, the lower and more powerful chambers of the heart. The heart's electrical system controls the contraction, recovery, and relaxation of its muscles. The QT interval is an important reflection of that electrical process. It begins when the heart cells are electrically stimulated and ends when they are ready to contract again.
Many cases are unsuspected and undiagnosed until a serious or fatal attack occurs.
Propulsid and a number of other drugs prolong the QT interval, and this can cause heart problems. When the heart cells take a long time to recharge, an electrical stimulation can occur before the ventricular muscle is ready. An untimely stimulation can trigger abnormal heart rhythms, called arrhythmias, which cause contractions that are too fast or too irregular to pump blood to the body. The brain's blood supply quickly dwindles, and blackouts, even death, can follow. Unfortunately, many cases are unsuspected and undiagnosed until a serious or fatal attack occurs.