SUDDEN DEATH DUE

TO “LONG QT
SYNDROME”

- SANKAVI
 SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH

 Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a sudden,

unexpected death caused by loss of heart function
(sudden cardiac arrest).
 Sudden cardiac death is the largest cause of
natural death in the United States, causing about
325,000 adult deaths in Untied States each year.
WHAT IS LONG QT SYNDROME ?

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a heart rhythm

condition that can potentially cause fast,
chaotic heartbeats. These rapid heartbeats
might trigger a sudden fainting spell or
seizure. In some cases, the heart can beat
erratically for so long that it causes sudden
death
DIFFERENT TYPES OF LONG QT SYNDROME

 Romano-Ward syndrome is the most common

form of inherited long QT syndrome.
 There are six different types of this syndrome,
long QT 1 through 6.
 Each type is caused by a change in a different
gene .
SYMPTOMS OF LONG QT SYNDROME

 Many people who have long QT

syndrome don't have any signs or
symptoms. You might be aware of your
condition only because of:
 Results of an electrocardiogram (ECG)
done for an unrelated reason
 A family history of long QT syndrome
 Genetic testing results
For people who do experience signs and
symptoms of long QT syndrome, the most
common include:

Fainting. This is the most common sign of long QT

syndrome. Long QT syndrome-triggered fainting
spells (syncope) are caused by the heart
temporarily beating in an erratic way. These
fainting spells might happen when you're excited,
angry, scared or during exercise.
 You may lose consciousness without warning, for
instance from being startled by a ringing
telephone.
 If you have a normal fainting spell, you usually will
have a warning sign first, such as lightheadedness,
heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, weakness
or blurred vision.
 However, a fainting spell from long QT syndrome
can occur with little to no warning.
Seizures. If the heart continues to beat erratically, the
brain will eventually not get enough oxygen, which
can cause seizures.
Sudden death. Generally, the heart returns to its
normal rhythm. If this doesn't happen by itself, or if
an external defibrillator isn't used in time to convert
the rhythm back to normal, sudden death will occur.
Signs and symptoms of inherited or congenital long QT
syndrome might start as a fetus, during the first weeks to
months after birth, as late as older age, or never at all. Most
people who experience signs or symptoms from long QT
syndrome have their first episode by age 40.

Signs and symptoms of long QT syndrome might occur during

sleep or arousal from sleep
 PREVENTION
 If you have inherited long QT syndrome, be careful
about which medications you take
 Medications that can lengthen the QT interval and
upset heart rhythm include:

 Certain antibiotics
 Certain antidepressant and antipsychotic medications
 Some antihistamines
 Diuretics
 Medications used to maintain normal heart rhythms
(antiarrhythmic medications)
 Some anti-nausea medications
 Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, pose a serious risk for
people with long QT syndrome.
 In addition, seek medical treatment right away for illnesses that could result in
low blood-potassium levels, especially if you have a lot of vomiting and
diarrhea. Such illnesses could trigger an episode of long QT syndrome.
 Your doctor might advise you not to take some drugs, such as diuretics, that
lower blood-potassium levels.
 Some people — especially older adults with long QT syndrome who haven't
had signs or symptoms of the condition in decades — may not need any
treatment other than preventive measures.
THANK YOU