Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Cardiovascular Disorders > Heart Disease > Arrhythmia > Long QT Syndrome
The long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a heart disease in which there is an abnormally long delay between the electrical excitation (or depolarization) and relaxation (repolarization) of the ventricles of the heart. It is associated with syncope (loss of consciousness) and with sudden death due to ventricular arrhythmias. Arrhythmias in individuals with LQTS are often associated with exercise or excitement. The cause of sudden cardiac death in individuals with LQTS is ventricular fibrillation.
Individuals with LQTS have a prolongation of the QT interval on the ECG. The Q point on the ECG corresponds to the beginning of ventricular depolarization while the T point corresponds to the beginning of ventricular repolarization. The QT interval is measured from the Q point to the end of the T wave. While many individuals with LQTS have persistent prolongation of the QT interval, some individuals do not always show the QT prolongation; in these individuals, the QT interval may prolong with the administration of certain medications.
Genetics
The two most common types of LQTS are genetic and drug-induced. Genetic LQTS can arise from mutation to one of several genes. These mutations tend to prolong the duration of the ventricular action potential (APD), thus lengthening the QT interval. LQTS can be inherited in an autosomal dominant or an autosomal recessive fashion. The autosomal recessive forms of LQTS tend to have a more severe phenotype, with some variants having associated syndactyly or congenital neural deafness. A number of specific genes loci have been identified that are associated with LQTS. Following is a list of the most common mutations: More on [ Long QT syndrome ]
American Heart Association - Looks at the basics of Long QT Syndrome: Symptoms and treatment.
Meta Description: [ Long Q-T syndrome is an infrequent, hereditary disorder of the heart's electrical rhythm that can occur in otherwise-healthy people It usually affects children or young adults. ]
ArizonaCERT - Publishes information on drugs suspected of prolonging the QT interval.
Meta Description: [ The University of Arizona CERT is an independent academic center whose mission is to improve therapeutic outcome and reduce adverse events caused by drug interactions, especially those affecting women. This will be accomplished through basic research, clinical research, and a broad range of educa... ]
Cardiac Arrhythmias Research and Education Foundation - Information and stories about Long QT Syndrome.
Meta Description: [ Cardiac Arrhythmias Research and Education Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) NFP Corp focused on Long QT Syndrome, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Arrhythmias, and more. ]
European Information Center - English language version of European site on Long QT Syndrome. Information about this disorder as well as links to other resources.
Meta Description: [ QTsyndrome.ch provides actual and interesting information about long QT syndrome. ]
Long QT Syndrome Support Center - Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and current news regarding Long QT Syndrome.
Meta Description: [ Information about long QT syndrome for patients and physicians. Learn about the diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome characterized by a prolonged QT interval. ]
SADS Foundation - A non-profit organization providing information on Long QT Syndrome
Meta Description: [ Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Foundation ]
SADS UK : The Ashley Jolly SAD Trust - Voluntary organization raising awareness about heart conditions in young people. Provides support to patients and families.
Meta Description: [ SADS UK, Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome. The Ashley Jolly SAD Trust helps to save lives. Providing heart monitors and Automated External Defibrillators (AED's). Supports the bereaved and those living with cardiac conditions, ICD's, Long QT, Brugada, WPW, CPVT. ]
Sparkling Angel Charities - The Kelly Weaver Memorial Fund - Community outreach education and identification programs for Long QT Syndrome.
Meta Description: [ Sparkling Angel Charities endeavors to maximize the spiritual, educational and practical life skills of our young people by providing information, systems and tools to improve their quality of life and the lives of those who love them. ]
Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome - Information for the family and relatives of a young person who has died of Long QT or other sudden arrhythmic death syndromes.
Meta Description: [ SADS information available about sudden arrhythmic death syndrome ]
The Long QT Symposium - View presentations, printed materials, and future lecture series from Doctors who participated in this international Long QT conference.
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