ICD and prolonged QT (LQT)

  • by bunnykin
  • 2008-04-14 07:04:31
  • 1306 views
  • 3 comments

Hi,
I've posted once before regarding prolonged QT syndrome;I've been to see my EP lately due to rapid palpitations and fainting feeling right after some "heart stopped" episodes. Scared me to bits. So glad I got to see my dr to clarify; However, other than VT which I usually get, he said I also have this problem of prolonged QT seen on my ECGs most of the time. I also had a sibling who died suddenly and my EP said that I'm in a way fortunate that I've an ICD now cos people with this feature in their ECG can have tendency to get sudden cardiac death. So he has now added on another drug, Magnesium sulphate tabs apparently will help stabilize the rhythm. Is there anyone here who can share this experience with me or can enlighten me as to how I can look after myself better on knowing that this prolonged QT thing can pose a danger in the future and we don't know when. I also have a lead (ICD) that's on recall. This is an added concern of course.
Thank you and would appreciate your input.
bunnykin.

3 Comments

Stay hydrated

by sboissonnas - 2008-04-14 03:04:48

Hi Bunnykin,

I don't have a whole lot of information for you - I'm not sure there's a whole lot we can really "do" about having LQTS (I have it too). If you already have an ICD, then you're about as safe as anyone can be - the danger of LQTS is that your heart might get knocked into a dangerous rhythm, but if you have an ICD, the ICD ought to be able to detect it and take care of it.

The only tip I have for you is a small one - make sure you stay hydrated at all times. Believe it or not, dehydration can exacerbate the symptoms of LQTS (and other conditions like vasovagal syncope), or help bring on episodes that you might not otherwise have had. So if you stay hydrated, get regular checkups for your ICD and listen to your doctor, I think you're doing pretty well. :)

If you find out any other advice about staying as healthy as possible with LQTS, please post back on here to let the rest of us know! :)

Take care,
Stephanie

Hearts

by Peter.Nash - 2008-04-15 03:04:50

Hello Bunnykin,
I don't kwow too much about QT's ect. but like you I suffer plenty of VT's .but I think the trick is learn to read your heart ....different things seem to set it off ..like compression.. arms out in front while doing any work like polishing ect..... also how you sleep...stress... when you have the episodes you need to make a note ..and avoid the things that seem to bring on any heart related syptom...... I found this out myself.. 3 times my ICD fired just as I was opening a drawer low down..... also if i bend down to pick something up my ICD will start rubbing it's hands....although I do tend to risk it if I see a ten pound note laying on the floor!!!!!!
hope this helps a little Peter.N

Also have Long Q T Syndrome

by Deb - 2008-04-15 10:04:23

Hi! I also have LQTS. I found out last April after going into Cardiac arrest. Lucky for me my husband was home and started CPR. It then took 29 minutes to revive me. I was in coma for 2 days and receive my ICD a few days later. I am on Beta Blocker Meds for it. I also went for Genetic testing and they did find a mutant gene LQT2. My children and brothers and sisters are now being tested.

What helps me is try to keep a journal of when the VT happens, It may be exercise. Then when I go for my ICD check I see if the dates are the same. It may help to find what brings the VT on.

You know you're wired when...

You know the difference between hardware and software.

Member Quotes

Without this little machine, we would not be here.