Long QT syndrome (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==What are the symptoms of Long QT syndrome?== | ==What are the symptoms of Long QT syndrome?== | ||
*[[Seizures]] - if the heart continues to beat abnormally, the brain can become deprived of [[oxygen]], which can then cause seizures. | |||
*[[Fainting]] | |||
Fainting. This is the most common sign of long QT syndrome. In people with long QT syndrome, fainting spells (syncope) are caused by the heart temporarily beating in an erratic way. These fainting spells may happen when you're excited, angry, scared or during exercise. Fainting in people with long QT syndrome can occur without warning, such as losing consciousness after being startled by a ringing telephone. | |||
Signs and symptoms that you're about to faint include lightheadedness, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, weakness and blurred vision. However, in long QT syndrome, such warning signs before fainting are unusual. | |||
Seizures. If the heart continues to beat erratically, the brain becomes increasingly deprived of oxygen. This can then cause generalized seizures. | |||
Sudden death. Normally, the heart returns to its normal rhythm. If this doesn't happen spontaneously and paramedics don't arrive in time to convert the rhythm back to normal with an external defibrillator, sudden death will occur. | |||
==What causes Long QT syndrome?== | ==What causes Long QT syndrome?== | ||
Revision as of 19:03, 1 October 2012
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Long QT syndrome |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief:; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief:
Overview
Long QT syndrome is a condition resulting in an abnormality in the way electrical impulses are conducted within the heart. It can cause sudden cardiac arrhythmias in response to exercise or stress. Arrhythmias are abnormalities in the rhythm of the heartbeat. These arrhythmia's can be dangerous and fatal, but not everyone with long QT syndrome will have arrhythmias.
What are the symptoms of Long QT syndrome?
- Seizures - if the heart continues to beat abnormally, the brain can become deprived of oxygen, which can then cause seizures.
- Fainting
Fainting. This is the most common sign of long QT syndrome. In people with long QT syndrome, fainting spells (syncope) are caused by the heart temporarily beating in an erratic way. These fainting spells may happen when you're excited, angry, scared or during exercise. Fainting in people with long QT syndrome can occur without warning, such as losing consciousness after being startled by a ringing telephone.
Signs and symptoms that you're about to faint include lightheadedness, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, weakness and blurred vision. However, in long QT syndrome, such warning signs before fainting are unusual.
Seizures. If the heart continues to beat erratically, the brain becomes increasingly deprived of oxygen. This can then cause generalized seizures. Sudden death. Normally, the heart returns to its normal rhythm. If this doesn't happen spontaneously and paramedics don't arrive in time to convert the rhythm back to normal with an external defibrillator, sudden death will occur.
What causes Long QT syndrome?
Who is at highest risk?
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Lifestyle changes and medications can be used to help treat long QT syndrome. These are:
- Avoiding high intensity physical activity or stress.
- Including more potassium in the diet, with the help of a doctors supervision.
- Certain heart medications, such as beta blockers will prevent people from going into sudden cardiac arrest.
- Certain medical devices, such as an implantable cardiac difibrillator or a pacemaker can help to regulate the rhythm of the heart.
Where to find medical care for Long QT syndrome?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition
Prevention
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
People who are treated with lifestyle modifications and medications live longer than those who are not. For people who are not treated, half of them, mostly those with the inherited form of long QT syndrome, will die within 10 years.
Possible complications
Long QT syndrome can result in fatal heart arrhythmias and death.