
 

Shedding light on dangerous faints

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Shedding light on dangerous faints
 Click here for an infographic to learn more Some people with long QT syndrome (LQTS) do not have any noticeable symptoms. The condition may be discovered when an electrocardiogram (ECG) or genetic testing is done for other reasons. Fainting (syncope) is the most common symptom of long QT syndrome. A fainting spell from long QT syndrome can occur with little to no warning. Some people have fainting warning signs first, including: 
Blurred vision
Lightheadedness
Pounding heartbeats (palpitations)
Weakness
 Fainting occurs when the heart temporarily beats in an unorganized way. You might faint when you're excited, angry or scared or during exercise. Things that startle you — for example, a telephone or an alarm clock — can cause you to lose consciousness. Long QT syndrome may also cause seizures in some people. Symptoms of long QT syndrome sometimes occur during sleep. Most people with symptoms of LQTS have their first episode by age 40. When the condition is present at birth (congenital long QT syndrome), symptoms may occur during the first weeks to months of life or later in childhood. LQTS Generally, after a long QT episode, the heart returns to its typical rhythm. If the heart doesn't reset itself or if an external defibrillator isn't used in time to reset the heart rhythm, sudden death will occur.