Your healthcare provider will take several steps to diagnose long QT syndrome.
During your initial office visit, your healthcare provider will spend time with you and learn more about your symptoms and overall health. They will:
- Conduct a physical exam
- Discuss your medical history and your current medical conditions
- Ask whether you have a family history of long QT syndrome or unexplained sudden cardiac deaths
Genetic testing may be necessary to determine if you have an inherited form of long QT syndrome. If your test is positive, genetic testing may be recommended for other family members so they can also be diagnosed and treated.
Blood samples can provide information about your electrolyte and hormone levels. Imbalances of electrolytes and hormones can lead to prolonged QT intervals.
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) records the electrical activity in your heart through electrodes attached to the body and connected to a machine with wires.
This device, usually worn for 30 days, allows patients to push a button and record symptoms when they appear. Some event recorders work automatically when irregular heartbeats occur.
For this test, you will walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bicycle while connected to heart-monitoring equipment. This test allows us to evaluate electrical changes on the EKG during exercise.
A patch monitor is a battery-operated ECG that sticks to your chest. While wearing the patch monitor, you can do nearly all your usual activities, even showering. The test usually lasts two to four weeks.
