Long QT Syndrome

Long QT syndrome might manifest in some persons without any symptoms. Those who do experience symptoms typically present the below:

Blackouts or fainting.
Seizures.
Heart palpitations.
Book an appointment with your Cardiologist if you experience any of these symptoms. Patients with long QT syndrome who are asymptomatic may not be aware of their condition until they have an electrocardiogram (ECG).

A defective gene acquired from a parent is the typical cause of long QT syndrome. Electrical activity in the heart is impacted by the faulty gene. Long QT syndrome can also be brought on by some medications, including:

Antibiotics, antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, diuretics, and cardiac medications are just a few examples.
A history of heart disease, including heart failure, heart attack, left ventricular hypertrophy, or bradycardia; hypothyroidism; malnutrition; hypothyroidism; and stroke history.
Hypokalemia (lack of potassium) Hypomagnesemia (lack of magnesium) Hypocalcemia (lack of blood calcium).
Drug-induced long QT syndrome often only affects those who have a predisposition to the illness.

On-site Diagnostic Tests (in the cardiology clinic)

Testing for potential trigger medicines, an electrocardiogram, a stress test including exercise, a blood test for magnesium, potassium, and calcium deficiencies (electrolyte imbalances), and genetic testing.
In-home Diagnostic Monitors

A Holter monitor is a portable ECG that you wear continuously for one to seven days to record your heart rhythms as they change over time.
Event monitor: A portable ECG you wear for one or two months that only records when activated manually or in response to an aberrant cardiac rhythm.
Implantable monitor: A tiny event recorder placed under your skin and worn for a period of time to capture rare events.
Your Cardiologist will advise genetic testing to determine the underlying reason if congenital LQTS is suspected. Family members who are at risk can pursue genetic testing to see if they are also at risk if the hereditary cause has been found.

The majority of individuals with inherited long QT syndrome will require medication therapy. Propranolol, nadolol, and other beta-blockers may be administered to assist manage irregular heartbeats and lower your heart rate.
A pacemaker may be necessary if your symptoms are frequent or severe and you are at a high risk of developing a life-threatening arrhythmia.
To regulate the flow of chemicals into the heart, surgery may be required in some cases of long QT syndrome. This procedure is called a sympathectomy.
Your medications will be evaluated to see if they are contributing to long QT syndrome, and an alternate medication may be suggested.
With the proper care, long QT syndrome can be prevented from having a significant negative influence on your daily life.

Living with long QT syndrome

To lower your risk of blackouts, you might need to change your way of life.
Try to avoid jarring noises like alarm clocks and avoid rigorous exercise or competitive sports.
Avoiding difficult circumstances may also be advised alongside stress.
Following a stomach upset, it's crucial to properly hydrate, typically with salt- and sugar-containing supplements.
Your cardiologist may recommend adding more potassium-rich foods to your diet, such as bananas, vegetables, nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, and poultry, or he or she may prescribe potassium supplements.
Always inform your Cardiologist if you have long QT syndrome. Any new medication, whether prescribed or over the counter, must be thoroughly examined to determine suitability for you.