Long QT syndrome

[Bec2610]

Hi I'm a 21 year old female, I have no family history of anyone dying suddenly and none of my parents have ever experienced any heart problems.  I've recently been diagnosed with long QT.. I had a 24 holter and my QTC was 508ms average, I've only ever experienced a rapid irregular heart rate on 2 occasions in my life once when exercising and once when I was extremely upset and angry with slight dizziness but no syncope this was 2 years ago. If my average QTc was 508 all the time when resting as well why do I only get symptoms when I do strenuous exercise or get emotional? Does this mean I could drop any minute? I've kind of scared my self I talked to my cardiologist and he said try not to worry. I'm not sure what type I have as I'm still waiting for genetic tests. I start on beta blockers next week after another ecg but I'm scared incase something happends in the meantime. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Bec2610]

Thank you. This is the second cardiologist ive seen the first one didn't do a thing and just told me to come back in a year! I seen a new one this morning he does seem a lot better, he said it was a serious condition but worrying won't help, he told me its most likely not to happen when Im just sitting or sleeping, but I just get scared because of what I've read on here. I think I'm quite lucky to have been diagnosed since it does go unrecognised, I also think I will feel better once I've started the beta blockers and found out what type I have. I have just found out about this condition and never thought in a million years it would happen to me at a young age. I think it's just put a lot of stress on me knowing Its always going to be there. Thanks again for answering.

[achillea]

On the whole, based on your report of what your doc said,  you are no more likely to drop at any moment now than you were two years ago, but you absolutely *need* to get back with your cardiologist and find out exactly why he told you not to worry about this.

Not because his advice was cold or casual, because a doctor has zero motive for blowing a patient off.  After all, if he treats you, he gets paid; if he doesn't, he does not get paid.

There is a reason for his attitude.  Learn in detail why he feels the way he does.  Get the answers to your questions about 'why' you only get symptoms when exercising, etc.  The doc has your records; we do not.

Worrying about this is not going to help you.  You have to get in there, mix it up, contact your doc for a real discussion--called an 'office visit long--and get some answers, certainly about your medical questions, but also about your anxiety regarding sudden death.