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Key Points
- Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a disorder of the
heart's electrical activity.
- If you have LQTS, your heart is more likely to
develop a sudden, uncontrollable, and dangerous heart rhythm (called an
arrhythmia)
in response to exercise, stress, or other conditions.
- This abnormal heart rhythm makes you prone to
fainting or to
sudden
cardiac arrest because your heart stops beating.
- LQTS is a rare condition that's usually
inherited. It's often first detected in children and young adults. LQTS also
may be acquired, rather than inherited, and caused by certain medicines and
disorders.
- Faulty genes that control the production of
certain types of ion channels in your heart cells cause inherited long QT
syndrome (LQTS). The faulty ion channels interfere with the normal flow of
sodium and potassium atoms into and out of the cells during a heartbeat. The
abnormal flow may disrupt the timing of the electrical activity in the heart
and lead to dangerous heart rhythms.
- For many people who have LQTS, lifestyle changes
and medical treatments may help prevent dangerous complications.
- If you have LQTS, you're prone to developing a
sudden and dangerous arrhythmia in response to certain conditions. The signs
and symptoms of arrhythmias that people with LQTS tend to have include
unexplained fainting or seizures, drowning or near drowning (due to fainting
while swimming), sudden cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
- To diagnose LQTS, your doctor will consider your
EKG
(electrocardiogram) results, your personal and family medical history, and
genetic test results.
- Treatments for LQTS include lifestyle changes,
medicines, implanted medical devices, and surgery to regulate your heartbeat.
- You should let the people whom you see regularly
know about your condition. Ask them to immediately call emergency medical
services if you faint.
- See your cardiologist regularly. He or she will
adjust your treatment as needed.
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Living With Links
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