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What is long QT syndrome LQT in children?

Long QT syndrome LQT is a possible congenital disease. The first symptom is sudden death. In this article, we will explain the definition, symptoms, causes, risk factors, course, and safety tips for parents with children suffering from this syndrome.

What is the definition of LQT long QT syndrome?

LQT long QT syndrome is a disease that affects the normal electrical activity of the heart.

The term QT (QT) refers to a part of the curve in the ECG. who has a problem with this syndrome. Other names of this congenital syndrome include Jerol and Long Nielsen syndrome or Romano Ward syndrome. While the presence of long QT syndrome LQT does not always cause symptoms. But it can suddenly cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats). People with long QT syndrome can experience episodes of fainting or passing out. If your child has LQT syndrome. It is important to manage it to prevent these fatal abnormal heartbeats from occurring.

syndrome How is long QT LQT diagnosed?

The doctor may. Detect long QT syndrome on an ECG before the patient has symptoms. It is a visual tracing of the heart's electrical activity on an electrocardiogram.

What causes LQT syndrome?

LQT syndrome can be hereditary or acquired. This means that something more than genetics causes it.

There are seven types of inherited long QT syndrome. Their numbers are LQTS 1, LQTS 2, etc. Researchers have identified more than 15 different types of genetic mutations that can lead to long QT syndrome. Long QT syndrome can be caused by certain medications. Among them:

some people may. unconsciously inherited this disease. But they don't get symptoms until they start taking medicine that makes it worse. If you take any of these medicines for a long time. Your doctor may regularly monitor your heart rhythm with an EKG to check for abnormalities.

Several Something else can cause LQT syndrome. Especially those that cause loss of potassium or sodium from the bloodstream. Such as:

Severe diarrhea or vomiting
Anorexia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa
Malnutrition
Hyperthyroidism

What are the risk factors for long QT syndrome LQT?

Having a family history of long QT syndrome LQT is a major risk factor for this disease. But this is difficult to know. Because it doesn't always cause symptoms.

Instead, some may. Just say that one of their family members died unexpectedly and suddenly or drowned. This may happen while swimming.

Other risk factors include:

Using medications that prolong the QT interval.
Being born with complete or partial deafness
Having severe diarrhea or vomiting
Having a history of diseases such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or certain thyroid disorders
Women are more likely than men to have QT syndrome (QT).

Treatment What is long LQT syndrome?

There is no treatment for long LQT syndrome. Instead, treatment usually involves reducing the risk of developing heart arrhythmias (dangerous abnormal beats) by:

Beta blockers are given to slow the heart's rhythm too fast.
Avoid drugs that prolong the QT interval.
Use sodium channel blockers if you have LQTS 3.

If you feel faint or other Symptoms of abnormal heart rhythm, the doctor may. Recommend more aggressive treatment such as implantable pacemaker or cardioverter defibrillator. These devices detect and correct abnormal heart rhythms. Sometimes the doctor needs to repair the electrical nerves of the heart that transmit the rhythms incorrectly. Recommends an evacuation or surgery.

Length What is life expectancy like with long QT syndrome? According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, approximately 1 in 7,000 people have long QT syndrome. It is possible. More people have it and go undiagnosed. Because of this, it is not possible to say exactly how this syndrome affects people's life expectancy.

Patients who have not had any fainting or cardiac arrhythmia until the age of 40. They are usually at low risk of severe complications. The higher the number of these attacks in a person. They are more exposed to life-threatening arrhythmias.

If you have a family history of this disease or sudden unexplained death in the family. Consult a doctor to get an ECG for you and your children. This work helps to detect anything unusual in the heartbeat.

You can use the following articles for further study.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/long-qt-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20352518

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/long-qt-syndrome

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17183-long-q-t-syndrome-lqts

https://www.healthline.com/health/long-qt-syndrome#causes