Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is long QT syndrome?
- How common is long QT syndrome?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of long QT syndrome?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes long QT syndrome?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk of developing long QT syndrome?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are the treatment options for long QT syndrome?
- Certain drugs
- Medical equipment
- What are the usual tests for long QT syndrome?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies for long QT syndrome?
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Definition
What is long QT syndrome?
Long QT syndrome is a heart disease that occurs when the heart's electrical system doesn't function normally. This disease disrupts the electrical currents in the heart and can be seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG) through a prolonged interval between the Q and T waves. This syndrome causes irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and can lead to death if treatment is not taken immediately.
The symptoms of long QT syndrome, the causes of long QT syndrome, and long QT syndrome medications are detailed below.
How common is long QT syndrome?
Long QT syndrome is a condition that is more common in children and adolescents. This disease usually starts between the ages of 8-20 years. This syndrome occurs in 1 in 5,000 people, so it is quite rare.
You can reduce your chances of getting this disease by reducing risk factors. Consult with your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of long QT syndrome?
The signs and symptoms of long QT syndrome are often related to heart rhythm disturbances. The typical symptoms of long QT syndrome are:
- Sudden fainting. This symptom occurs because the heart is not pumping enough blood to the brain. Fainting usually strikes when you are under physical or emotional stress.
- Sudden heart attack.These symptoms may kill a patient in a matter of minutes if they do not get treatment as soon as possible. This is the initial symptom in 1 in 10 patients with long QT syndrome.
Other symptoms of long QT syndrome are:
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath during sleep due to irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
Sometimes long QT syndrome has no signs or symptoms. Thus, doctors often recommend that the family of patients with long QT syndrome be checked even if there are no symptoms to prevent the disease. There may be other symptoms that are not listed. If you have questions about signs of illness, consult a doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you suddenly faint during work, are overly enthusiastic, or after taking new medicines. You should also check if you have five long QT syndrome if a family member is sick.
Cause
What causes long QT syndrome?
The possible cause of long QT syndrome is a genetic mutation process in the heart's electrical current system. At least 12 genes and hundreds of identified gene mutations are linked to long QT syndrome.
In addition, long QT syndrome may also be caused by certain drugs such as quindine, procainamide, disopyramide, amiodarone, sotalol, antidepressants, antipsychotics, some allergy medications, and antibiotics such as erythromycin mixed with ketoconazole.
Risk factors
What increases my risk of developing long QT syndrome?
Some of the factors that can increase your risk of developing long QT syndrome are:
- Have a family history of this disease
- Take certain heart medications
- Have a history of heart attack
- High levels of potassium, magnesium, calcium and low blood pressure or anorexia
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are the treatment options for long QT syndrome?
Some of the treatment options for long QT syndrome are:
Certain drugs
Your doctor may prescribe beta-blocker drugs to control heart rhythm. The doctor may also use sodium channel blockers, for example mexiletine to reduce sodium ion channel activity.
Medicines from doctors cannot cure long QT syndrome, but doctors will provide drugs to control abnormal heart rhythms. Beta blockers can be used long-term.
Medical equipment
Pacemakers and defibrillators are small devices that help control abnormal heart rhythms. Both of these devices will use an electric current to restore the heart's rhythm to the way it was when the heart starts functioning abnormally. The pacemaker and defibrillator will be placed in the chest or abdomen through a small operation.
What are the usual tests for long QT syndrome?
Some of the tests that doctors usually do to diagnose long QT syndrome are:
- Review medication history and physical examination. The doctor may ask about symptoms and previous treatment to diagnose and find the cause.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG). This is a simple test that detects and records the electrical activity of the heart. This test can help doctors see the period between the Q and T waves and other signs of long QT syndrome. However, QT might change over time. Because of this, patients may need to be monitored with an ECG for several days or weeks.
- Genetic testto help doctors detect the genetic factor long QT syndrome.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies for long QT syndrome?
Some of the lifestyle changes and home remedies that may help treat long QT syndrome are:
- Avoid doing strenuous physical activity such as high intensity exercise
- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar
- Try to avoid stress to prevent arrhythmia symptoms
- Take regular medication as your doctor prescribes
- Routine medical check-ups to the doctor to monitor your health progress
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.