Diagnosed QT Syndrome

[BobV812]

Daughter (16 yrs old) diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome .. ECG averaged @ 470 .. genetic test shows she has LQTS1 and confirms ECG findings ... Inherited from me (her father - 52 yrs old) which also shows ECG swings slightly lower than my daughter (also taking a blood test, including rest of family, for genetic determination) . I'm otherwise healthy... never fainted & no one else in family history has had any heart episodes ... I have played & continue to play sports, jog, lift weights,swim & exercise. My daughter has played competitive soccer (goal-keeper) for 11 years, some basketball, swims and jogs. She is active & has never had any fainting episodes or heart issues.  My question is -> Can doctor's recommendation to avoid all competitve sports be to restrictive given she's a goal-keeper & not a field player - she's been put on a beta-blocker? She is depressed about not playing & I'm concerned that her emotional stress doesn't cause other problems. I'm confused as some of the other receational sports - softball, tennis (doubles) & volleyball are considered sports actvities she can play. Not sure what to do?

[Momto3]

Your family is very fortunate in that you are aware of the syndrome.  As the poster above stated, beta blocker therapy can manage some LQ disorders.  That's great news!!  There is definitely a genetic component so it's great that you and other family members are being tested.

As for competitive sports, I've heard they are generally frowned upon.  I'm not sure about the other sports you mentioned, but it's definitely something your daughter's doctor can help with.  My guess is she will be advised not to play goalee.  Soccer can be quite rough, although I do think boys player a much more physical game. My son played goalee on occasion, and that's when someone stepped on his arm (fractured).  Our kids played tennis, mostly singles, but some doubles.  Tennis requires quite a bit of stamina, but playing doubles might be something to consider.  I'd definitely get the doctor's approval.  There are some great websites for families dealing with LQTS.  My EP is a specialist in the disorder and I know there is a lot of ongoing research.  

[heart_of_mine]

Hi,
This is not a yes or no question that you have asked. The good thing is that of all the LQTS types LQT1 responds the best to beta blocker therapy. But LQT1 also is most often triggered by exercise, especially during emotional competitive sports and swimming. This is really something that you need to discuss with her doctor - maybe get a second opinion. Something that some families with LQTS do, is have an automated external defibrillator on hand just in case, but I am not a doctor and this is only a suggestion. Our family has LQT2 so exercise is not our main trigger, but emotion is, so we are in a similar situation. One thing to remember is that LQTS is VERY unpredictable.