Long QT Syndrome

Signs and symptoms of Long QT syndrome (LQTS)

Long QT syndrome disrupts your heart’s electrical system and can be fatal if you don’t seek treatment. 

Fainting is LQTS’s signature symptom. When an interruption to your heart’s electrical system causes fast, irregular heartbeats (i.e., an arrhythmia), this irregularity can make you faint.

What triggers LQTS 

In some cases, strenuous exercise, stress, shock and fright can trigger Long QT syndrome. 

How to work with us

If you have no history of fainting but suddenly have an episode, please call 911. If your primary care physician detects that you may have a cardiac condition, they could refer you to a UCI Health cardiologist. Depending on what you need, you can make an appointment with the UCI Health Heart Failure Care services or our Arrhythmia Care program.

Types of Long QT syndrome

Doctors classify Long QT syndrome in two ways: genetic or acquired. 

Genetic

A faulty gene you inherit from a parent can cause this condition. If one of your family members is diagnosed with LQTS, you and your parents, siblings and children should get tested.

Acquired

In some cases, you can get Long QT syndrome from taking certain medications. These include antibiotics, some heart medicines, antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, and diuretics.  

Ask your doctor if any of the medications you're taking can cause LQTS.

Long QT syndrome diagnosis at UCI Health

An electrocardiogram is the primary way we diagnose Long QT syndrome. Since exercise can also trigger LQTS, we may ask you to take a treadmill test.
Genetic blood tests can help us identify the abnormal gene that causes genetic LQTS.

Long QT syndrome treatment at UCI Health

There are a few treatment options for this condition. We may use them in combination, but your doctor will tailor a plan just for you.

Beta blockers

Beta blockers are the first line treatment for LQTS. They slow down your heart rate, lower blood pressure and help you breathe easier. But ultimately, beta blockers prevent a sudden heart attack. 

Lifestyle changes

If you have Long QT syndrome, a few lifestyle changes will decrease your risk of a future cardiac event. They’ll also improve your overall health and help you feel better in general. 

• Avoid strenuous exercise and activities
• Avoid high-stress situations
• Use stress reduction techniques
• Avoid startling noises and other shocking situations
• Consider adding potassium to a whole foods diet to prevent LQTS complications

The dedicated professionals in our cardiac rehab unit can help you incorporate new beneficial lifestyle habits into your daily routine. We also offer heart health coaching to help you navigate your care and improve your quality of life.

Why choose UCI Health for Long QT syndrome?

UCI Health is Orange County’s only academic health system

As a hospital, we’re deeply integrated with our medical school. That gives us – and you – access to clinical trials and leading-edge research. As a result, you may have access to new tools and medications that aren’t widely available anywhere else.

Our cardiac arrhythmia specialists have access to one of the most advanced electrophysiology labs in Orange County

An electrophysiology lab is a special facility dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. Our access to this advanced technology helps us discern between cardiac disorders that resemble each other but are different.

We also look beyond medicine to lifestyle for comprehensive, holistic treatment

While genetic factors certainly influence illness, we encourage you to take your lifestyle choices into account too. Your doctor may advise dietary shifts like less caffeine and a whole foods diet. If excess stress is undermining your cardiac health, they may recommend meditation or psychotherapy.