Long QT syndrome
Overview
Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a rare heart condition that's usually inherited. It can cause serious problems with your heart rhythm, but there are things you can do to reduce the risk.
Symptoms
Long QT syndrome can causeheart palpitations, where you suddenly feel your heart beating irregularly or faster than usual. Your heart rhythm usually goes back to normal on its own, but if it continues you may have: faintinga seizure or fita cardiac arrest (where your heart beats so fast that not enough blood gets to your brain, so you become unconscious and stop breathing) Symptoms can be triggered by exercise, a shock or sudden noise, excitement or stress. They can also happen while you're resting or sleeping. Many people with long QT syndrome do not have any symptoms. Sometimes it's found when you have a heart rhythm test called an electrocardiogram (ECG) for another reason.
Causes
Long QT syndrome is usually caused by the genes you inherit from your parents. It can also be caused by: certain medicines, including some types of antibiotics, antihistamines, antidepressants and heart medicinessome other heart problemsa bleed in your brain (haemorrhage) or strokeconditions that cause very low levels of potassium, magnesium or calcium
Treatment
Treatment for long QT syndrome depends on the cause, your test results, your symptoms and if you're at high risk of serious problems. You may be offered: medicines calledbeta blockersto help control your heart rhythm – recommended for most people with long QT syndromea small device called an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) that's put under the skin in your chest, in a similar way to apacemaker– recommended if you're at high risk of serious heart problemssurgery to cut certain nerves that affect the heart – only recommended in rare cases if other treatments are not suitable You'll also be given advice about lifestyle changes to make, and you'll be monitored regularly to check the health of your heart. Sometimes long QT syndrome is caused by another health condition or medicine. In these cases, treating the condition or stopping the medicine can improve the symptoms.