Re: Query about Long QT

From: Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD (andrew_at_heartmdphd.com)
Date: 09/30/04 

Date: Thu, 30 Sep 2004 07:41:30 -0400

Terrence Chun, MD wrote:
>
> "Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD" <andrew@heartmdphd.com> wrote in
> news:1096410683.mkVie8GCD4CYR7txKrMBUQ@teranews:
>
> > A Que Ry wrote:
> >
> >> I do have high C-Reactive Protien for long time, but also have lupus,
> >> sjogrens, and some other stuff to deal with too, but this new thing
> >> cause dizzy, tingling, light numbness on left side, also sick to my
> >> stomach. <perhaps that was a TIA> too much all at once.
> >>
> >> I am 57 year old woman.
> >>
> >> So, I was admitted to the hospital, lots of tests, I was told I have a
> >> long QT, so as I am doing my looking to find out what that is, I see
> >> it always refers to this as Long QT Syndrome, although, Doctor did not
> >> use the word Syndrome, does the line have to be a certain length to be
> >> 'Syndrome'?
> >>
> >
> > You would have to experience syncope (pass out) first.
>
> While syncope is one of the symptoms associated with the long QT syndrome, it is not
> necessary for the diagnosis.

Correct.

> The length of the QTc itself does not define it as LQTS,
> either.

Correct.
 
> The long QT syndrome is an inherited genetic disorder that is associated with
> symptoms such as seizures, syncope, heart arrhythmias, and sudden death. Using
> the diagnosis of "long QT syndrome" has serious implications for a patient in that once
> it has been given, it is very hard to "un-give" it.

Correct.
 
> Prolongation can occur due to metabolic/electrolyte abnormalities, brain injury, or from
> taking certain medications.

Correct.
 
> Normal individuals can also have a QTc interval that falls in the "prolonged" range, but is
> still acceptably normal.
>
> If there is any question about whether you have the long QT syndrome, your cardiologist
> can use certain tests to raise or lower their level of suspicion for carrying the disorder.
> Much of their level of suspicion will also be determined just by asking about your and
> your family's history.

Yes, history of symptoms is what leads to the diagnosis.

Without a history of symptoms either in patient or his/her family, there
is not much motivation for further work-up.

> The only "definitive" (but far from perfect) method is genetic
> testing. However, currently there are only about 5 or 6 centers in the world that perform
> the testing.

Correct.
 
> Hope this helps.

Thank you for contributing both here and elsewhere, Terrence.

 
Servant to the humblest person in the universe,

Andrew 

--
Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Board-Certified Cardiologist
http://www.heartmdphd.com/
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