Long QT syndrome, also called LQTS, is a heart condition that can affect how your heart beats. Untreated long QT syndrome can cause health problems, including fainting and cardiac arrest. Patients in Kentucky with long QT syndrome can count on the arrhythmia specialists at the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute for diagnosis and treatment.
Most long QT syndrome is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to problems in your heart’s electrical activity. When your heart beats, it “recharges” before beating again. This charging period is represented by the QT interval on an EKG. If this interval takes longer than it should, your heartbeat timing (the sinus rhythm) can get thrown off. This irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, can become very fast (tachycardia). While long QT syndrome is typically inherited, some people can develop acquired long QT syndrome as a result of medication.
Two types of arrhythmias commonly affect people with long QT syndrome:
- Torsades de pointes, a specific type of tachycardia that causes your heart to beat 150 to 300 times per minute
- Ventricular fibrillation, a severely abnormal heart rhythm that can cause sudden cardiac death
People with long QT syndrome may not have any symptoms. Some symptoms may appear in adolescence or when people are young adults.
Symptoms of long QT syndrome include:
- Fainting or blacking out suddenly, called syncope (this can result in accidental death, such as drowning)
- Feeling lightheaded
- Heart palpitations
- Seizures
- Sudden cardiac arrest
Around 1 in 10 people have no symptoms until their heart stops beating suddenly (cardiac arrest). This can cause sudden death within minutes without treatment.
Symptoms can be caused by triggers such as stress and strenuous exercise. Certain medications can also trigger symptoms.
Most forms of long QT syndrome are caused by genetics, which means the condition cannot be prevented. Some people may have medication-induced long QT syndrome, although many of them are also genetically predisposed to the condition.
Inherited long QT syndrome is caused by a mutation on one of at least 15 ion-channel genes. Which gene is affected determines what type of long QT syndrome you have. Ion-channel genes affect how your cells process potassium and sodium, which are important for your heart’s electrical activity. Romano-Ward syndrome is the most common form of inherited LQTS and affects around 1 in 2,000 people worldwide.
Risk factors for LQTS include:
- Being female
- Certain congenital heart defects
- Family history of long QT syndrome or unexplained sudden cardiac death
- Medical conditions such as eating disorders and thyroid disease
- Other heart conditions, including cardiomyopathy
- Taking certain medications, such as some antihistamines, antidepressants or antibiotics
Discuss any medicines you are taking with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can help ensure these medicines won’t worsen your long QT syndrome. Using the same pharmacy for all prescriptions and bringing prescription bottles to your appointments are also good ways to keep your providers informed.
Your first visit to UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute’s Adult Heart Rhythm Program is a time of education and introductions. You meet members of your care team and learn about detecting, treating and living with arrhythmias.
Diagnosing arrhythmias is a unique process that requires detective work. One of the most important steps toward diagnosis is listening to your story. Your team will ask a lot of questions about your symptoms and medical history. The goal is to gather all possible information that can help pinpoint the source of your heart issue. Information from this first meeting helps your team determine the next step in diagnosis.
Based on information from this meeting, your healthcare provider may give you a monitor to wear. This monitor tracks your heart rhythm and allows your team to determine the type of arrhythmia you have. Additionally, your team may prescribe one or more diagnostic tests. If appropriate, these tests take place on a different day, and your team helps schedule them at your convenience.
When coming to your first arrhythmia appointment, plan to do the following:
- Arrive early. You may need to fill out paperwork when you arrive. Getting to your appointment early ensures you have time to complete paperwork without feeling rushed.
- Bring a current list of medicines or supplements you take. You should also list any surgeries you’ve undergone, symptoms you’ve experienced and other past health issues.
- Dress comfortably. Working toward a diagnosis takes time. Comfortable clothes help you remain relaxed and attentive throughout your visit.
- Eat and drink normally. You won’t undergo imaging or other testing at your first visit. Therefore, there are no dietary restrictions.
- Have your insurance information on hand. UK HealthCare accepts most insurers, and financial assistance is available.
- Request a loved one to join you. Bring a family member or friend with you to take notes and ask questions you may not think of asking.
Where we are located
The UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute is located at 800 Rose St. in Pavilion G, on the first floor of UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital. We will mail you a map and directions when your appointment is scheduled.
Patient drop-off
Patients can be dropped off in front of the main entrance to Albert B. Chandler Hospital at 1000 S. Limestone. If you are dropped off at the main entrance, you’ll enter the revolving doors on the ground floor of the hospital. Take the main stairs just to the left (or elevator across the atrium) to the first floor of Pavilion A.
After climbing the stairs or taking the elevator, turn left. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
Parking
It is easiest to park in the UK HealthCare Parking Garage, across from the hospital at 110 Transcript Ave.
There are two paths from this garage to the Gill clinic:
- You may take the free shuttle from Level A of the parking garage. You’ll exit the shuttle at the Pavilion A/ Pavilion G stop in front of the main entrance to the hospital. After climbing the stairs or taking the elevator, turn left. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
- From Level C of the parking garage you may walk or take a golf cart across the pedway to the first floor of Pavilion A. Turn left past the help desk and walk away from the dining hall. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
If you need help finding your way, information desks are located inside the main entrances to Pavilion A, both on the ground floor and at the end of the pedway on the first floor. You may also call the information desk at 859-323-5816.
Our Adult Heart Rhythm Program experts help residents of Central Kentucky and beyond regain proper heart rhythm every day. To improve the future of arrhythmia treatment and management, they also participate in clinical trials.
At any given time, UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute staff engages in trials for new medicines or devices. This gives you access to arrhythmia treatment not available at many other facilities.
If you’re a candidate for an ongoing trial, your care team will discuss the possibility with you.
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