Management of Patients with the Hereditary Long QT Syndrome |
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Authors: | ARTHUR J MOSS MD |
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Institution: | Cardiology Unit of the Department of Medicine, university of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York |
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Abstract: | Long QT Syndrome. The hereditary long QT syndrome is an inherited ion channel disorder with QT prolongation, morphologic changes in the T waves, and a relatively high frequency of syncope, T wave alternans, torsades de pointes-type ventricular tachycardia, and sudden death. Monotherapy with beta blockers is the treatment of first choice. In patients with recurrent syncope despite therapy with beta blockers, pacemakers and/or ganglionectomy may be useful in selected cases, with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator used as a fail-safe approach in high-risk patients. |
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Keywords: | arrhythmias torsades de pointes syncope sudden death beta blockers pacemakers implantable cardioverter defibrillator |
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