What are the Symptoms of Long QT Syndrome in Children?
In most instances, there is no warning; the very first symptom of this disorder is often death. Symptoms may include loss of consciousness (fainting, syncope)—which may be mistaken as a seizure or choking episode. Typically these episodes occur during physical exertion or extreme emotional upset. Abnormal heart rate, heartbeat or rhythm may also be present. Importantly, almost one third of the individuals who are diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome never exhibit symptoms. For this reason, any young person with unexplained loss of consciousness or cardiac arrest should be examined. In addition, members of family who have experienced the unexplained sudden death of a young person and blood relatives of patients with known Long QT Syndrome and symptomatic children and adults with a family history of Long QT Syndrome should be examined.
