Long QT Syndrome Treatment Specialist in Wylie, TX

Long QT syndrome is a condition that affects the heart’s rhythm, leading to irregular, faster, and chaotic heartbeats that can be potentially life-threatening. These changes influence the electrical signals responsible for the heart’s beating.

Long QT syndrome comes in two forms: congenital, which affects individuals from birth, and acquired, which develops later in life. It is associated with various presenting signs and symptoms, including seizures and fainting.

Despite the risks, various treatment options are available. The condition involves an abnormality in the electrical system that controls both the rhythm as well as the speed of the heart. On an electrocardiogram (ECG), this is seen as a longer interval between the Q and T parts of the heart’s beat, indicating that the individual has Long QT syndrome.

Long QT syndrome can stem from various causes, falling under two primary categories which include congenital and acquired. Congenital Long QT syndrome is present from birth due to a gene mutation, affecting the potassium or sodium channels in the heart, which are important for generating electricity inside the cells.

This form can be diagnosed in childhood or later in life. Some individuals with the genetic mutation may never show symptoms, possibly due to a mild presentation or absence of triggering conditions.

Acquired Long QT syndrome develops over time and can result from medications, health conditions, or events that prolong the QT interval. Addressing the trigger is often able to resolve this form of Long QT syndrome.

Various signs and symptoms are associated with Long QT syndrome. Some patients may experience some or all of them, and they can occur at different degrees of severity.

The primary symptom of Long QT syndrome is fainting (syncope), which can occur with little to no warning when the heart beats irregularly for a short period. Individuals with Long QT syndrome may be more susceptible to being startled, scared, angry, or excited, leading to fainting.

Other symptoms may precede a fainting spell, such as light headedness, blurred vision, weakness, and heart palpitations. Seizures are another symptom that may occur among some individuals. Symptoms typically appear in the first weeks or months of life for those with inherited Long QT syndrome, though they can also present later in childhood.

Most individuals with inherited Long QT syndrome experience symptoms by age 40. However, some may not notice any signs, and the condition may only be detected during an electrocardiogram or genetic tests.

Various treatment options exist for Long QT syndrome, and providers at Mercy Medical Clinic will discuss these options with patients based on the type of Long QT syndrome, the symptoms experienced, and their severity.

Treatment aims to prevent irregular heartbeats and sudden cardiac death and can include medicines, lifestyle changes, medical devices, or surgical intervention. Medications often include beta-blockers and mexiletine, while therapies might involve the delivery of minerals or fluids like magnesium through IV administration.

Surgical options or devices to control the heartbeat include implantable cardioverter defibrillators or left cardiac sympathetic denervation surgery. Lifestyle changes may also be required in the management of Long QT syndrome.

Patients need to be aware of which physical activities, such as sports, they can safely engage in, and they should work on controlling their emotions to avoid potential triggers like anger or surprise.

For acquired Long QT syndrome, treating the underlying health condition, medication, or event that caused its onset is often effective. The specialists at Mercy Medical Clinic work closely with each patient to determine the most appropriate treatments and lifestyle changes for managing their condition. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 615 S Highway 78 Suite 100 Wylie, TX 75098! We serve patients from Wylie TX, Lavon TX, Rockwall TX, Sachse TX, Allen TX, Winningkoff TX and BEYOND.