Abnormal Heart Rhythm

Long QT Syndrome

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Treatment

Treatment is required for all patients with Long QT syndrome (LQTS). The usual treatment is beta-blocker medications, the dose varying for each patient. Your child's doctor will monitor and adjust the dosage based on your child's heart rate, relief of symptoms and the results of their diagnostic tests.

It is extremely important that medications for LQTS are taken every day and not missed. Medications are not a cure, but protect against episodes of fast heart rhythms if taken as prescribed.

Another common form of treatment for children with LQTS is an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). The ICD is a small electronic device that is inserted into the body and monitors the heart rhythm at all times. If it senses a dangerously fast heart rhythm, the ICD delivers electrical impulses and/or shocks to restore a normal rhythm.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007