Dallas
214-456-2333
Fax: 214-456-2714
Plano
469-303-4300
Fax: 469-303-4310
Prosper
972-331-9700
Fax: 972-331-9833
Request an Appointment with codes: Cardiology (Heart Center)
214-456-2333
Fax: 214-456-2714
469-303-4300
Fax: 469-303-4310
972-331-9700
Fax: 972-331-9833
Request an Appointment with codes: Cardiology (Heart Center)
Pediatric long-QT Syndrome (LQTS) is an irregular heart rhythm that can cause fast, chaotic heartbeats. In a healthy heart, an electrical impulse starts in the upper chamber of the heart (sinus node) and travels down to the lower chambers (ventricles). This impulse squeezes, or contracts, your heart, pumping blood out into the body. The muscles then relax and recover for the next contraction. The recovery time is called a QT interval and typically lasts only a fraction of a second.
In long-QT syndrome, the QT interval lasts longer than it should, and the heart muscles have difficulty preparing for the next contraction. The delay upsets the overall timing of the electrical impulses, which can lead to abnormal heart rhythms that are known as arrhythmias.
Long-QT syndrome may be present at birth (congenital), or be caused (acquired) by low potassium (hypokalemia) or specific medicines within the following groups:
Most children will not have symptoms, but some will experience: