Long Q-T syndrome is an uncommon, hereditary condition that affects the electrical rhythm of the heart that can occur even among healthy individuals. It typically affects young adults or children. In studies conducted, healthy individuals with long Q-T syndrome have experienced at least a single episode of fainting by 10 years old. Most of these individuals have a family member with a long Q-T interval.
Once the heart contracts, it sends out an electrical signal. This signal can be verified on an electrocardiogram and shows a distinctive waveform.
What are the indications?
Individuals with long Q-T syndrome might have no symptoms. Individuals who do have symptoms often experience fainting and an erratic rate and/or rhythm of the heartbeat. Individuals who have this syndrome might exhibit an extended Q-T interval while engaging in physical activity, intense emotion or when frightened by a noise. In some instances, arrhythmias are potentially deadly, which results to death. Take note that in one of the inherited forms, the individual might also be deaf.
Those who have long Q-T syndrome does not necessarily have an extended Q-T interval all the time. When an electrocardiogram is taken, the Q-T interval might be normal. Alternatively, some healthy individuals might not have a routine ECG and the condition is suspected due to the family history or from the unexplained fainting spells.
If an individual has a family history in which repeated episodes of fainting or sudden death is recorded, an assessment of the cause including long Q-T syndrome must be carried out.
Management of long Q-T syndrome
There are treatment options for long Q-T syndrome including medications such as beta blockers. Oftentimes, surgical intervention is carried out and some individuals might greatly benefit from the placement of an implantable defibrillator.
Disclaimer / More Information
The information posted on this page on long Q-T syndrome is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn more about circulatory issues including a long Q-T syndrome, register for first aid training at one of our training centers located throughout Canada. The training centers are in Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Vancouver, Kelowna, Surrey, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.