The Long QT Syndrome
Monday March 16, 2009
The Long QT syndrome is an inherited disorder of the heart's electrical system that can cause sudden death, even in young, healthy individuals. Read about long QT syndrome, its causes and treatment, here.
Comments
Hello,
I wondered if anybody could tell me whether Long QT can be related in anyway to a right bundle branch block.
I had been feeling very unwel and gradually having more frequent times of feeling that i may pass out.I was going through alot of worry at the time and was constantly told it was stress, though i knew it wasnt, as i could have a ‘funny turn’ just hanging out the washing. I visited my (then) doctor again who did and ECG and decided to send me to a cardiologist. The cardiologist, really didnt understand how i was feeling and i felt i wasnt listened to. He did another ECG and then an Echo but which was normal, but never followed anything up.
I still have these feeling at intervals which can vary between one per week or up to a four week break in between bouts.
My two daughters often pass out or feel they are going to and i worry very much that there is something wrong and my concerns are more for my daughters and son than for me. My biggest concern is that of course SADS.
I moved recently and had to move doctors, my new one just says they are panic attacks and i know this is not true. I do realise stress can make things worse, but my life is very much more sorted now and yet it is still happening.I dont want to come across as a hypocondriac and so i have decided not to visit my doctor anymore.
If i change the sheets or put washing on the line (ie using my arms out in front of me) it brings on a feeling of awful weakness in my chest which makes me fight not to pass out. Though i also get it if i walk up hills or if a fire engine suddenly puts on the sirens close to me and it shocks me. That is one of the reasons i have questioned Long QT, thought i am now 44years old and so many loud noises later, i am still around!!
Any advice would be more than welcome.
You ought to consider seeing a cardiac electrophysiologist, who can sort out whether your episodes are in any way related to heart rhythm problems.
You should see a cardiologist who will put you on a Holter Monitor that will record your heart beats during an event. This can then be read to determine the involvment of your heart in these events.
Hayley, Go see an ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIST! I have had the same feeling you are describing and it was more pronounced when I would raise my arms up to hang a shower curtain, etc, or standing in line too long without a carraige to lean on or something. I have Brugada syndrome, right bundle branch syndrome and Long QT and feel so much better now that I am paced. Syncope and near syncope needs to be addressed, if you feel they arent listening go somewhere else until they do!!!