Living with Short QT syndrome
A heart rhythm condition in which the heart muscle recharges too quickly between beats.
Understanding Short QT syndrome
In people with this condition, the heart muscle takes less time than usual to recharge between beats. An electrocardiogram (EKG) shows this as an unusually short QT interval. Without treatment, the rhythm problems can cause symptoms from dizziness and fainting (syncope) to more serious heart events. Symptoms can start any time from early infancy to old age, and some people never have health problems from it.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Pounding or fluttering heartbeat (palpitations)
- Irregular heartbeat from the upper chambers (atrial fibrillation)
- Slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
- Fainting spells (less common)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and heart and blood vessel specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
SADS Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Genetic specialists (geneticists); Heart and blood vessel specialists (cardiologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: SADS Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with SADS Foundation
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes cause this condition, but it doesn't list a gene. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning one changed copy of a gene is enough.
Also known as: familial short qt syndrome; genetic short qt syndrome; sqts; ventricular arrhythmia associated with short qt syndrome
Patient organizations
- SADS FoundationShort QT syndrome · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Short QT syndrome.
Explore research for Short QT syndrome
Explore actively recruiting Short QT syndrome studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Short QT syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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