r/lqts

268 archived posts · Apr 2019 – Aug 2026

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lqts

r/lqts

A community to provide information and support about Long QT Syndrome.

Created Jan 18, 2019

434Members (last snapshot)

268Archived posts

What is Long QT Syndrome?

Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is a condition affecting the repolarization of the heart after a heartbeat (the QT interval), which can result in palpitations, fainting, drowning, or sudden death. It is estimated to affect around 1 in 7,000 people and is believed to cause 3,500-4,000 deaths in the United States per year.

How is LQTS diagnosed and treated?

LQTS can be genetic or acquired through medications that elongate the QT interval or some eating disorders. It is diagnosed through an EKG that shows an elongated QT interval. Treatment can include beta blockers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, and certain lifestyle changes such as avoiding strenuous exercise or potentially startling activities such as haunted houses, roller coasters, or alarm clocks.

Are there different types of LQTS?

There are several genetic variations of LQTS, with types 1, 2, and 3 being the most common. For LQT1, exercise and mental stress are common triggers for episodes, which are more common for LQT1 than other types but often less fatal. For LQT2, loud noises and being startled are common triggers. For LQT3, the highest risk for episodes, which are less frequent but more likely to be fatal, occurs during sleep or immediately after waking.

This subreddit lists up through LQT8 (Timothy Syndrome) for potential user flairs, but there are at least 16 known types. However, many of these are extremely rare (fewer than 20 people worldwide have been reported to have LQT8). If you have a type not listed, please let us know and we will add it to the flairs list!

Good resources:

https://crediblemeds.org/ - Website with information on medications that can prolong the QT interval.

https://www.sads.org/ - Website for the SADS (Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes) Foundation. LQTS is one of the SADS conditions and this foundation provides support and information.

Related Subreddits:

r/ehlersdanlos/

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