Long Qt Syndrome - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a disorder of thethe end of the T wave. People who have LQTS
heart's electrical system. People with thisare at risk for syncope and sudden death, often
syndrome are susceptible to an abnormally rapidat a young age.
heart rhythm called "Torsade des pointes." LongCauses of Long QT syndrome
QT syndrome is characterized by a prolongationThe common causes and risk factor's of Long QT
of the QT interval on ECG and a propensity tosyndrome include the following:
ventricular tachyarrhythmias, which may lead toLQTS can be caused by certain medicines, or it
syncope, cardiac arrest, or sudden death. LQTS iscan be the result of a stroke or some other
usually inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Inneurologic disorder.
the case of LQT1, which has been mapped toHeart medications.
chromosome 11, mutations lead to seriousLipid-lowering medications.
structural defects in the person's cardiacPsychotropic medications.
potassium channels that do not allow properBlood relatives of family members with LQTS.
transmission of the electrical impulses throughoutYou also have an increased risk for LQTS if other
the heart. It is associated with syncope (loss ofmembers of your family have the disorder.
consciousness) and with sudden death due toSymptoms of Long QT syndrome
ventricular arrhythmias. In the long Q-TSome sign and symptoms related to Long QT
syndrome, the above-described Q-T interval issyndrome are as follows:
prolonged. Arrhythmias in individuals with LQTSAbnormal heart rhythms.
are often associated with exercise or excitement.Seizures.
The cause of sudden cardiac death in individualsSudden shortness of breath.
with LQTS is ventricular fibrillation. CongenitalFainting: In people with long QT syndrome, fainting
LQTS is a rare disorder that is usually inheritedspells (syncope) are caused by the heart
(passed down through family members).temporarily beating in an erratic way.
It usually affects children or young adults. In otherSudden death.
cases, LQTS can be caused by certain medicines,Sudden chest pain.
or it can be the result of a stroke or some otherIn one type of inherited long Q-T syndrome, the
neurologic disorder. LQTS can lead to an abnormalperson is also deaf.
heart rhythm (arrhythmia); fainting or loss ofTreatment of Long QT syndrome
consciousness (syncope); or even sudden death.The common causes and risk factor's of Long QT
Long QT syndrome may explain some raresyndrome include the following:
instances of sudden death in young people whereThere are treatments for long Q-T syndrome,
no obvious cardiac heart abnormality is found.including medications such as beta blockers.
People with this syndrome may show prolongationSome people may benefit from an implantable
of the Q-T interval during physical exercise,defibrillator.
intense emotion (such as fright, anger or pain), orPropranolol and nadolol are the beta-blockers most
by a startling noise. In LQTS, QT prolongation canfrequently used, though atenolol and metoprolol
lead to polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, orare also prescribed in patients with LQTS.
torsade de pointes, which itself may lead toWhen LQTS causes uncontrolled ventricular
ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death.fibrillation, you might need an implantable
Individuals with LQTS have a prolongation of thecardioverter defibrillator (ICD). An ICD is a device
QT interval on the ECG. The Q wave on the ECGthat sends an electric shock to your heart to
corresponds to ventricular depolarization while therestore a normal heartbeat.
T wave corresponds to ventricular repolarization.For many people with LQTS, the implantable
The QT interval is measured from the Q point todefibrillator is the best treatment.