Prolonged QT is genetic. Make sure your mom takes both of you to a peds cardiologist ASAP so you can be evaluated and placed on the correct drugs or have a pacer or defibrillator placed if needed.
The usual symptoms are syncope (sudden loss of consciousness) or sudden death, typically occurring during physical activity or emotional upset. These most commonly begin in preteen to teenage years, but may present from a few days of age to middle age. The syncopal episodes are often misdiagnosed as the common faint (vasovagal event) or a seizure.
WHAT ARE KNOWN TRIGGERS IN LONG QT SYNDROME?
+ Swimming, running
+ Startle: An alarm clock, a loud horn, a ringing phone
+ Emotions: anger, crying, test taking or other stressful situations
+ Sudden death may also occur during sleep
CAN HEAT BE A TRIGGER IN LONG QT SYNDROME?
It has been noticed that several cardiac arrests occur during summer time. But it is not sure if it this may be an excess in statistical terms. It is however hard to define if these cardiac arrests are related to a specific "risk" due to heat or sweating or if it is mainly a reflection of increased physical activity, excitement and playing during the summer. The only advice patients with long QT syndrome are given is to avoid excessive fluid loss with sweating and to assume potassium supplements through diet.
How is LQTS treated?
Treatment for LQTS may include lifestyle changes, medicines, or surgery.
Lifestyle changes
If you are active in competitive sports, talk to your doctor about how this may affect your condition. Often, once treatment in started, patients with LQTS can participate in recreational sports or other activities in moderation. If you have episodes of fainting while you exercise, you may want to think about exercising with a friend or a family member who can call for help if you need it.
Medicines
Medicines called beta-blockers are the most common type of medicine given to patients with LQTS. These medicines do not cure LQTS, but they have been shown to reduce the symptoms of LQTS for those who have them. Beta-blockers are also effective for patients who have been diagnosed with LQTS but do not have any symptoms. In these cases, doctors will most likely prescribe a beta-blocker to prevent the symptoms of LQTS.
Surgery
When LQTS causes uncontrolled ventricular fibrillation, you might need an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). An ICD is a device that sends an electric shock to your heart to restore a normal heartbeat. The device is placed under the skin of your chest or abdomen and is connected to leads, which are passed through your veins to your heart.
Take this to your mom and see the cardiologist this week.
We all want to see you at WDW in the future.
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