Living With Long QT Syndrome
Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is usually a lifelong
condition. The risk of developing an irregular heartbeat that leads to fainting
or sudden
cardiac arrest may lessen as you age, but the risk never disappears. You
need to take certain steps for the rest of your life to prevent an irregular
heartbeat or to ensure that you get immediate treatment if one occurs. These
steps include:
- Avoiding things that trigger an abnormal heart
rhythm
- Letting others know you might faint or your heart
might stop beating, and what steps they can take
- Having a plan in place for when you develop an
irregular heartbeat
Avoid Triggers
If exercise triggers an irregular heartbeat, your
doctor may recommend that you avoid any strenuous exercise, especially
swimming. Ask your doctor which types of exercise are right for you. If you
have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator you will need to
avoid contact sports that may dislodge these devices. You may want to only
exercise in public or with a friend who will help you if you faint.
Avoid medicines that may trigger an irregular
heartbeat. These medicines include those used to treat allergies, infections,
high
blood pressure,
high
cholesterol, and depression. Consult with your doctor before you take any
prescription, over-the-counter, or other drugs.
Seek medical care immediately for conditions that
lower the potassium level in your blood. These conditions include excessive
diarrhea, vomiting, or the eating disorder anorexia nervosa.
Avoid unexpected noises in your bedroom if you have
LQTS 2. These noises include loud or jarring alarm clock buzzers and
telephone ringers.
Inform Others
You may want to consider wearing a medical
identification bracelet that states that you have LQTS. Let your roommates,
coworkers, or other people with whom you have regular contact know that you
have a condition that might cause you to faint or your heart to stop beating.
Let these people know that they should get you emergency medical care
immediately if you faint.
You may want to have someone in your family or
office learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case your heart stops
beating. You also could keep an automatic external defibrillator with you at
home or at work. This device uses electrical shocks to restore your heartbeat
to normal. Someone at your home or work should be trained how to use the device
if your heart stops beating.
If you have LQTS 3 and you sleep alone, you may want
to have an intercom in your bedroom connected to someone else's bedroom. This
will let others detect the noisy gasping that often occurs if you develop an
irregular heartbeat while lying down.
Ongoing Health Care Needs
You should see your cardiologist regularly. He or
she will adjust your treatment as needed. For example, if you still faint often
while using less aggressive treatments, your doctor may recommend other options
to better prevent the abnormal heart rhythms you're having.
It can be stressful to have LQTS, or to have a
family member with it. You may want to ask your doctor to recommend a LQTS
support group. |