| Author | Message | ||
     Kay1277 Username: Kay1277 Registered: 08-2007 |
I'm a 60 year old woman who had an ECG in March as part of a routine physical. The doctor said the ECG showed some long QT intervals. He had me wear a holter for 24 hours which showed a few “skipped beats”. I had a cardiac ultrasound which was normal. I had an ECG at age 50 and during two c-sections in the 1970's, and no one told that I had long QT interval. I've never fainted. Other than my grandmother who passed away suddenly at age 66 (heart attack), there is no family history of sudden collapse, fainting, or death. The doctor told me to continue my exercise program (I bicycle approx. 50 miles per week) and to tell physicians and pharmacists that I have a prolonged QT interval to avoid drugs that can increase risk of death. Other than that, he didn't think I needed medication or a consult with a cardiologist. After reading the postings, I remain concerned that I should have further evaluation. Please advise. | ||
| Diane Username: Diane Registered: 11-2006 |
Hi Kay, I would definitely follow up with this. It is sort of thought in the medical world that once a person reaches the age of 60 that there is no risk with a prolonged QT. This is wrong. There are several things that can produce a prolonged QT but Long QT Syndrome is a possibility. If you have any children or grandchildren I would strongly suggest that they get an ECG done and if there is any suggestion of a prolonged QT then I would seek an opinion from an Electrophysiologist. With you having a prolonged QT you should at the very least be on a betablocker. You also need to find out why you have a prolonged QT and treat it. I hope this helps you. Diane | ||
| Bionic Roadrunner Username: Bionic_roadrunner Registered: 08-2006 |
Diane is correct, Kay, follow her advice. I am almost 63 and was diagnosed with LQT at 47, but over the years, I have had problems and the last ones when I was almost 60. So, if 60 is the magic number  , you are safe, but I would get checked by an EP if I were you. At the time you had your c-section, which I guess was between 20 and 30 years ago (from your age), very little was known about Long QT. This is probably why no one said anything. Even 10 years ago very few doctors ever heard the name. What is suspicious also is the fact that your grandmother died "suddenly of a heart attack". Was it a heart attack or cardiac arrest? I think the electrophysiologist should be the one to decide whether you need medicine or not. Good luck and stay well! | ||
| Kay1277 Username: Kay1277 Registered: 08-2007 |
To Diane and Bionic Roadrunner: Thank you for your quick response. I do have two sons in their 30's and two grandsons, 2 & 3 years old. I will definitely tell them to have ECG's on themselves and their sons. Fortunately, none of my descendents have experienced any symptons so far. I will contact my doctor for a referral. Again, many thanks for the good information. |