About romano-ward long qt syndrome

What is romano-ward long qt syndrome?

General Discussion

Romano-Ward syndrome is an inherited heart (cardiac) disorder characterized by abnormalities affecting the electrical system of the heart. The severity of Romano-Ward syndrome varies greatly from case to case. Some individuals may have no apparent symptoms (asymptomatic); others may develop abnormally increased heartbeats (tachyarrhythmias) resulting in episodes of unconsciousness (syncope), cardiac arrest, and potentially sudden death. Romano-Ward syndrome is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.

What are the symptoms for romano-ward long qt syndrome?

Heart rate over 150 beats per minute symptom was found in the romano-ward long qt syndrome condition

Romano-Ward long QT syndrome is a rare heart rhythm disorder that causes abnormal heartbeats. These abnormal heartbeats can lead to a dangerous and life-threatening condition called ventricular fibrillation, which causes the heart to stop beating effectively. In people with Romano-Ward long QT syndrome, these abnormal heartbeats occur more often than in people without the condition.

Romano-Ward long QT syndrome can cause sudden death due to ventricular arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) or Fainting spells that do not feel like a typical faint, such as syncope (Fainting), near syncope (almost Fainting), presyncope (feeling Lightheadedness or Dizziness), or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).

The main symptoms of Romano-Ward long QT syndrome are:

  • Fainting spells or near-Fainting spells that do not feel like a typical faint (syncope)
  • Feeling Lightheadedness or Dizziness (presyncope)
  • Feeling normal after standing up quickly from sitting or lying down (postural orthostatic tachycardia
  • Sudden cardiac arrest (when the heart stops beating)
  • Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) that can lead to Fainting spells or sudden cardiac arrest
  • Heart Palpitations (a feeling your heart is pounding or racing)
  • Chest pain that occurs with exercise or emotional stress
Symptoms
Shortness of breath,Heart rate over 150 beats per minute,Fainting or near Fainting spells,Palpitations or Racing heartbeats that may feel like fluttering in your chest,Sudden Dizziness or collapse
Conditions
Fainting or near-Fainting spells (syncope),Heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias) such as atrial fibrillation,Sudden cardiac death (SCD)
Drugs
Erythromycin (Eryc, Erythrocin, others),Azithromycin (Zithromax)

What are the causes for romano-ward long qt syndrome?

Romanovsky-Ward syndrome is caused by mutations in genes that control channels in your heart's electrical system.

  • The most common cause of Romanovsky-Ward syndrome is a mutation in one of two genes: KCNQ1 or KCNH2.
    •These genes control how these ion channels work, so if they are mutated, it can cause an increase in potassium levels inside the cell due to less activity by the channel.
    •This makes it harder for your heart to pump blood through your body, since it needs more energy for this process than other organs do.
  • A mutation in the KCNQ1 gene - this gene regulates potassium channels in your heart muscle cells. When there is a mutation in this gene, it can cause your heart to beat too fast or too slow.
  • A family history of LQTS - if you have a close family member who has LQTS or other cardiac conditions, it may be because of a genetic mutation shared by both people.
  • congenital heart disease (CHD)
  • congenital deafness or hearing loss
  • a family history of sudden cardiac death (SCD) before age 30 years in a first-degree relative (e.g., parents or siblings)
  • male gender
Symptoms
Shortness of breath,Heart rate over 150 beats per minute,Fainting or near fainting spells,Palpitations or racing heartbeats that may feel like fluttering in your chest,Sudden dizziness or collapse
Conditions
Fainting or near-fainting spells (syncope),Heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias) such as atrial fibrillation,Sudden cardiac death (SCD)
Drugs
Erythromycin (Eryc, Erythrocin, others),Azithromycin (Zithromax)

What are the treatments for romano-ward long qt syndrome?

There are three types of treatment for Romano-Ward long QT syndrome: medication, surgery, and ablation.

  • Medication is often given as a preventative measure for those who have been diagnosed with romano-ward long qt syndrome and have a high risk of developing complications.
    •Medications can slow down the heart rate so that it beats more slowly, which decreases the risk of experiencing dangerous rhythms.
    •Surgery may be recommended in certain circumstances, but it's only necessary in about 10% of cases.
    •In most cases, ablation is used instead because it provides a more permanent solution that doesn't involve cutting open someone's chest cavity like surgery would require (that's why it's sometimes referred to as "ablation").
  • First, the patient must be treated for their primary condition. If they have an infection, they will need to be treated with antibiotics. If they have a heart condition, they will need to be treated with a defibrillator or pacemaker. They may also require surgery to correct any defects in their heart.
  • Second, if the patient has problems with excessive sweating or cold hands and feet, they can take medications that treat these symptoms. These medications include:
-Antihistamines (like Benadryl)

-Anticholinergic drugs (like Robinul)

-Beta-blockers (like Inderal)

Symptoms
Shortness of breath,Heart rate over 150 beats per minute,Fainting or near fainting spells,Palpitations or racing heartbeats that may feel like fluttering in your chest,Sudden dizziness or collapse
Conditions
Fainting or near-fainting spells (syncope),Heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias) such as atrial fibrillation,Sudden cardiac death (SCD)
Drugs
Erythromycin (Eryc, Erythrocin, others),Azithromycin (Zithromax)

What are the risk factors for romano-ward long qt syndrome?

Romano-Ward long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a genetic disorder, which means it's inherited from one or both parents. Romano-Ward LQTS is rare but can cause life-threatening heart rhythm problems if not treated.

  • When you have Romano-Ward LQTS, your heart has trouble sending electrical signals through the chambers, valves and tissue that make up the heart muscle.
  • The condition can cause episodes of abnormal heart rhythms—arrhythmias—that can be life-threatening if not treated.
  • People with romano-ward long qt syndrome have a number of risk factors that can increase the chance that they develop the disease. These include:
  • Age: The average age at which people are diagnosed with romano-ward long qt syndrome is about 20 years old. People older than 40 may also be at risk for developing romano-ward long qt syndrome.
  • Gender: Men are more likely to develop romano-ward long qt syndrome than women.
  • Genetics - some people are born with a genetic mutation which can cause Romano-Ward long QT syndrome.
  • Race/ethnicity: People of Asian descent have a higher risk of developing romano-ward long qt syndrome than other racial groups, but anyone can get this condition regardless of race or ethnicity.
  • Medications: Taking certain medications, such as medicines to treat depression or anxiety
  • Other factors: Having a family history of long QT syndrome, having a congenital heart defect, having a family history of sudden cardiac arrest, etc.
Symptoms
Shortness of breath,Heart rate over 150 beats per minute,Fainting or near fainting spells,Palpitations or racing heartbeats that may feel like fluttering in your chest,Sudden dizziness or collapse
Conditions
Fainting or near-fainting spells (syncope),Heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias) such as atrial fibrillation,Sudden cardiac death (SCD)
Drugs
Erythromycin (Eryc, Erythrocin, others),Azithromycin (Zithromax)

Is there a cure/medications for romano-ward long qt syndrome?

There is no cure for Romano-Ward long QT syndrome, but there are medications that can help manage the symptoms.

  • The most common medication used to treat Romano-Ward long QT syndrome is beta-blockers. Beta-blockers work by slowing down the heart rate and reducing adrenaline levels, which helps prevent arrhythmias and fainting spells.
  • Patients may also be prescribed antiarrhythmic drugs, which help control abnormal electrical activity that causes irregular heartbeats and fainting spells.
  • Cardiac pacing may be used as a last resort when other treatments have failed. Cardiac pacing involves implanting an electrical device in the chest wall or subcutaneous tissue that sends regular electrical impulses throughout the body to help regulate the heartbeat.
  • It can be treated with medications that help prevent the heart from going into fibrillation and death. These include:
  • Antiarrhythmic Medications - These are medications that reduce the risk of abnormal heart rhythms by slowing your heart rate or blocking the flow of electrical impulses in your heart muscle. They may be prescribed if you have an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia). They may also be used to treat other conditions such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), atrial fibrillation, and low blood pressure.
  • Antiplatelet Agents - Antiplatelet agents are drugs used to reduce the tendency for platelets to stick together and form clots in veins or arteries.
  • Beta-Blockers - Beta-adrenergic blocking agents are drugs that work by blocking or reducing the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline) on your heart muscle and blood vessels. They're used to treat high blood pressure, angina (chest pain brought on by lack of oxygen), anxiety disorders, and certain types of tremors.
Symptoms
Shortness of breath,Heart rate over 150 beats per minute,Fainting or near fainting spells,Palpitations or racing heartbeats that may feel like fluttering in your chest,Sudden dizziness or collapse
Conditions
Fainting or near-fainting spells (syncope),Heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias) such as atrial fibrillation,Sudden cardiac death (SCD)
Drugs
Erythromycin (Eryc, Erythrocin, others),Azithromycin (Zithromax)

Video related to romano-ward long qt syndrome