Pseudocholinesterase Deficiency

Overview

Pseudocholinesterase (soo-doe-ko-luh-NEH-stur-ays) deficiency is a condition that makes you extremely sensitive to a specific group of anesthetic medications, known as muscle relaxants. As a result of this enzyme deficiency, you can develop prolonged side effects like temporary muscle paralysis. People with this condition can’t move or breathe on their own until the medication flushes out of their system.

It happens when your body doesn’t produce enough pseudocholinesterase — an enzyme that helps metabolize (break down) medications (called choline esters) used during general anesthesia. Succinylcholine and mivacurium are two of the most common choline esters used for anesthesia.

How common is pseudocholinesterase deficiency?

Pseudocholinesterase deficiency is uncommon. It affects about 1 out of every 3,200 to 5,000 people in the general population.

Products & Services

A Book: Future Care

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.