Long QT syndrome
Long QT (LQTS) is a condition affecting repolarization (relaxing) of the heart after a heartbeat, giving rise to an abnormally lengthy QT interval. It results in an increased risk of an irregular heartbeat which can result in fainting, drowning, , or sudden death. These episodes can be triggered by exercise or stress. Some rare forms of LQTS are associated with other symptoms and signs, including deafness and periods of muscle weakness.
Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.
Symptoms — what it feels like
- ·Fainting, hearing loss,
Causes — why it happens
- ·, certain medications, low blood , low blood calcium, heart failure
How it's found
- · (EKG), findings, testing
Treatment
- ·Avoiding strenuous exercise, getting sufficient , beta , implantable
Complications
- ·Sudden death
The sections below are general education drawn from public guidelines (NHS, Mayo, CPIC, WHO, ICMR). They are not individually reviewed by a clinician and are not medical advice — always talk to a doctor about your own health.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have unexplained fainting or blackouts, a racing or pounding heartbeat, or seizures, especially triggered by exercise, sudden fright, or loud noise. Also get checked if a young relative died suddenly or unexpectedly.
Call emergency services for fainting with a fast or irregular heartbeat, or if someone collapses and is unresponsive. This condition can cause dangerous heart rhythms, so any blackout needs quick assessment.
General guidance, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, see a doctor.
Questions to ask your doctor
- ?Which tests, like an ECG, confirm this?
- ?Should my family be screened, and is genetic testing useful?
- ?Which activities, triggers, or situations should I avoid?
- ?Are there medicines I should avoid because they affect heart rhythm?
- ?What should my family do if I collapse?
- ?How often will my heart rhythm be checked?
What to note before your visit
- ·any fainting, blackouts, or seizures and what triggered them
- ·family history of sudden or unexplained death
- ·palpitations or a racing heartbeat
- ·a list of all medicines you take
Test yourself
0/4 answered4 quick questions on Long QT syndrome. Tap an answer to check it.
Across the gene set (KCNH2, , SCN5A), 125 -'' are actually seen in South Asians () - many European-absent and still clinically 'uncertain'. For long qt , that's a pool of computationally-damaging, India-relevant, clinically-unresolved variants no one has systematically characterised.
A study that would help: Take the South-Asian-observed, European-absent, ClinVar-uncertain in KCNH2, , SCN5A and them for long qt : functional or family segregation to move them from 'uncertain' to a real call. Each is a usable diagnostic result.