Long QT syndrome

Long QT syndrome
An inherited defect in the heart's rhythm. In the U.S. it is estimated that 4,000 American children and young adults die yearly of the long QT syndrome. It is a common cause of sudden death among school athletes, as well as the cause of many unexplained drownings. The first sign may unfortunately be sudden cardiac death. The heart muscle abruptly goes into fibrillation, beating too fast and so ineffectively that the blood stops circulating. The heart has to be defibrillated (shocked back into a normal rhythm) within a few minutes if the person is to survive. The name of the syndrome comes from the QT segment in the tracing on the electrocardiogram (ECG). This segment lasts slightly longer in the syndrome than normal. The heart takes longer to recharge itself between beats. Certain conditions can trigger an abnormal cardiac rhythm. The abnormal rhythm results in syncope (fainting spells), dizziness, palpitations, seizures or sudden death. Among the known triggers are intense physical exercise, swimming, being suddenly startled or badly frightened. The cause of the long QT syndrome is a mutation in a gene that regulates the heart's electrical system. The mutation causes a defect in heart muscle structures called ion channels that predisposes the heart to lapse into a very rapid, ineffectual rhythm called fibrillation. The mutation responsible for the long QT syndrome is inherited as an autosomal dominant, which means that the mutant gene is on a non-sex chromosome and that each child of an affected parent has a 1 in 2 (50%) chance of inheriting it. The diagnosis of the long QT syndrome can be made by electrocardiogram (ECG) in about 50% of cases. However, in about 10% of cases, the QT interval on the initial ECG looks normal and in another 40% the QT interval is not sufficiently prolonged to permit a clear-cut diagnosis. The long QT syndrome can also be detected after a person dies by a molecular genetic analysis of their tissue. Early diagnosis is essential. Drugs called beta-blockers can help to maintain a normal heart rhythm in 90% of cases. In the remaining cases, a pacemaker can be implanted to set the heart's rhythm or an automatic defibrillator can be put in that can detect and correct an abnormal heart rhythm. Children with long QT syndrome should not engage in competitive sports. Noncompetitive activities are generally all right. However, they should stop whatever they are doing if they experience any possible symptoms of the long QT syndrome. The long QT syndrome is one of the sudden arrhythmia death syndromes (SADS). The SADS Foundation is at 508 East South Temple, Suite 20, Salt Lake City, Utah 84102; telephone numbers (800) STOP-SAD (786-7723) and (801) 531-0937.

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long QT syndrome n any of several inherited cardiac arrhythmias that are characterized by abnormal duration and shape of the QT interval and that place the subject at risk for torsades de pointes abbr. LQTS

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prolongation of the Q–T interval combined with torsades de pointes, one of the most common types of ion channelopathy. Acquired forms are usually due to a metabolic or cardiac abnormality or to drug administration. Congenital forms result from a variety of mutations in genes coding for channel subunits and are usually noted early in life. The condition may lead to serious arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death (sudden arrhythmia death syndrome).

Quinidine-induced long QT syndrome. Patient on quinidine (monitor lead) developed marked prolongation of repolarization with low amplitude T–U waves. Cardiac arrest with torsades de pointes ventricular tachycardia later developed.


Medical dictionary. 2011.

Look at other dictionaries:

  • long-QT syndrome — long QT syndrome. = Romano Ward syndrome (см.). (Источник: «Англо русский толковый словарь генетических терминов». Арефьев В.А., Лисовенко Л.А., Москва: Изд во ВНИРО, 1995 г.) …   Молекулярная биология и генетика. Толковый словарь.

  • long QT syndrome — noun (medicine) A hereditary disorder affecting the electrical rhythm of the heart (abbrev LQTS) • • • Main Entry: ↑long …   Useful english dictionary

  • long-QT syndrome — long QT syndrome. См. синдром Романо Уорда. (Источник: «Англо русский толковый словарь генетических терминов». Арефьев В.А., Лисовенко Л.А., Москва: Изд во ВНИРО, 1995 г.) …   Молекулярная биология и генетика. Толковый словарь.

  • Long QT syndrome — Infobox Disease Name = Long QT syndrome(Romano Ward syndrome) Caption = Schematic representation of normal ECG trace (sinus rhythm), with waves, segments, and intervals labeled. DiseasesDB = 11104 ICD10 = ICD10|I|45|8|i|30 ICD9 = ICD9|426.82 ICDO …   Wikipedia

  • Long QT syndrome (LQTS) — A genetic (inherited) condition that predisposes individuals to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), fainting spells and sudden death. The irregular heartbeats are typically brought on by stress or vigorous activity. LQTS is often symptomless and… …   Medical dictionary

  • long QT syndrome — noun a heart disease in which there is an abnormally long delay between the electrical excitation (or depolarization) and relaxation (repolarization) of the ventricles of the heart …   Wiktionary

  • long QT syndrome — noun a genetic disorder of the heart s electrical system, with symptoms such as fast, chaotic heartbeats that may lead to cardiac arrest. Abbrev.: LQTS {characterised by a long QT interval} …  

  • long QT syndrome — prolongation of the Q–T interval on the electrocardiogram. It indicates susceptibility to ventricular tachycardia (especially torsades de pointes), ventricular fibrillation, and sudden death. It may be familial or caused by certain drugs (e.g.… …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • Syndrome du qt long — |Le syndrome du QT long est un syndrome phénotypiquement et génétiquement hétérogène qui se caractérise par un allongement de l espace QT sur l électrocardiogramme de surface associé à un risque élevé de torsades de pointe ou de fibrillation… …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Syndrome de romano-ward — Pour les articles homonymes, voir Romano et Ward. Syndrome de Romano Ward …   Wikipédia en Français

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