The Treatments for Long QT Syndrome
Photo: Getty Images
Long QT syndrome is a serious heart condition, in which patients have life-threatening heart arrhythmias. The irregular heart beat can cause patients to faint. If the irregularity lasts long enough, sudden death may occur. To diagnose long QT syndrome, a doctor will run several tests.
One important test is an electrocardiogram (EKG). This test is used to check a patient’s heart’s electrical activity. The heart produces five different electrical waves, called P, Q, R, S and T. In between the Q and T waves is the QT interval. Patients with long QT syndrome have a longer QT interval than normal. In order to detect this, the doctor will tape electrodes to the patient’s chest, which transmit signals to a computer monitor or printout.
To check the heart’s electrical activity for an uninterrupted 24-hour period, the patient may undergo an ambulatory EKG monitoring, also called Holter monitoring. Electrodes are attached to the chest as before, but the patient carries a portable recorder. If the doctor wants to monitor a patient’s heart for days or weeks, she may recommend event EKG recording.
Once long QT syndrome has been diagnosed, the next step is finding the right treatment. The goals of long QT syndrome treatment are to prevent the heart arrhythmias and sudden death. Options include medical interventions and lifestyle choices.
Medication choices include beta blockers and mexiletine. Beta blockers, such as propranolol, slow down the patient’s heart rate. Mexiletine may be combined with propranolol to reduce the QT interval.
The MayoClinic.com noted that some dietary supplements may help. These include potassium and fish oil.
If necessary, a doctor may recommend surgical interventions. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) monitors a patient’s heart beat and sends an electrical shock when she has an abnormal heart rhythm.
Another option is left cardiac sympathetic denervation surgery, which involves surgical removal of specific nerves. This surgery reduces a person’s risk of sudden death. Lifestyle changes can also be beneficial.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a CommentComments
There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!