Long QT syndrome

[Grivler]

I am 48 female and have just been diagnosed with Long QT syndrome.  Yes this is a type of arrythmia (congenital).  My brother and cousin both have it as well.  My Mom is an identicial twin, my cousin being the daugther of her twin.  My question is does anyone know if PATS (paroxysmal atrial tacchacardia) and PVC's are symptoms of the Long QT Syndrome.....
I am on a beta blocker now, low dose, but will be increased in 3 weeks.  An ICD may be required.  My cousin has the ICD
Grivler

[is_something_wrong]

A) Yes
B) it's reversible when you stop taking the meds
C) Yes, even though some drugs are supposed to prolong QT, most people aren't having any problems. Sotalol for instance, causes tdp in maybe 1-2% of the users. That's why such treatment is initiated in hospitals.

A prolonged QT doesn't necessarily cause problems. You can have long QT without having LQTS. The tdp is associated with K+ channel blockade causing electrical instability. A prolonged QT doesn't necessarily indicate blockade as far as I know, but again I'm just a patient and somewhat "EKG nerd"

[Grivler]

thanks for you reply.  It's just kind of nice to speak with people who you have this in common with.  Your QT can be long without the TdP though I think, or any palps or tacchycardia.  My mom has atrial fib... first time she went to the hospital with this, her resting heart rate was 223!  Her heart goes off all the time even on the meds.
The things I don't understand, are the meds associated with causing prolongation of the QT Interval:  a) do the drugs cause prolongation of the QT interval even in people without LQTS; b) Acquired LQTS is from taking meds that have caused it.... and then you're stuck with it; c) then some people can take these meds and never have any issues at all..

[is_something_wrong]

It's really hard for me to answer if your episode of palpitations is caused by the LQT. Usually, this arrhythmia causes a heart rate above 200 BPM, sometimes up to 300 BPM, which usually gives serious symptoms.

This arrhythmia has the name torsades de pointes, by the way.

I think treatment and precautions in the setting of LQT should be taken care of by specialist doctors (internists and cardiologists) so I really don't think I, as a patient only suffering from ectopic beats, can help you so much, except wishing you the best and good luck. Please keep us updated and take care!

[Grivler]

Hi there:  Thanks so much for your help.  That's what I thought as well.  Just something else to add to it all!  My mom has atrial fibrillation.  My cousin who has LQT also has ventricular fibrillation.  Now she has an ICD.  

I see my Cardiologist in 4 weeks again to increase the dose of beta blocker. I'll be alseep at my desk..hahaha.  Now of course I am trying to take note of any dizzy spells etc., which do happen when I over-exert, but I have taken this as being a sign of being pathetically out of shape!  

I did have one episode where my heart was beating very fast at rest, and I felt sick.  Had to sit down, but it passed.  LQTS is hard to diagnose, but when I had my ecg it they did one 3 times and it printed out with "Long QT interval".....

[is_something_wrong]

I don't think atrial tachycardia is a sign of long QT.

Long QT time itself is not an arrhythmia but predisposes to a more serious arrhythmia; a special form of ventricular tachycardia.

I'm not sure if PVCs are symptoms of long QT, as almost everyone have them, but in the setting of prolonged QT, there may occur a special form of PVCs that can be dangerous (they are the trigger for the above mentioned ventricular tachycardia.)

You need to stay in close touch with your doctors, and report any abnormal findings. There are degrees of prolonged QT, and different types of LQTS, with different arrhythmia triggers.

Take care.

[Grivler]

I have been getting them daily, like many many times per day.  I have had a few episodes where I feel dizzy, but haven't passed out.  My cousin was having those symptoms and she now has an ICD.  Because of our family history this may be the route they will want to take with me.  
I take 2.5 mg of bisoprolol per day, which they are going to increase.  
Janet

[jkfrench]

Hi Grivler
I get pat (not very often.  just a couple of times a year), pvc's and pac's.  I do not have long QT syndrome.  So they don't have to be symptoms of that.  I am also on a very low dose of atenolol  (1/2 of a 25mg tablet/per day).
If I understand correctly, pat, pvc's and pac's can be more serious with your condition.
Have you ever passed out?
Jodie