I went to my doctor this week and while there, he did an EKG…he said I have a prolonged QT. Does anyone know anything about this? I am going for a stress-echocardiogram next week, as well some other tests. Is this serious and how worried should I be? What are the implications? How might it affect my training and racing? Obviously, I will talk with my cardiologist about this, but I’m still interested in information anyone has. Thanks.
Why did you have an ECG anyway? How old are you? You mentioned “my” cardiologist, so I assume older. I’m assuming you aren’t on any meds that can cause this if you are on this forum. Often genetic, but either way, it does “predispose” to arrythmias (bad ones at that) so definitely get a proper work-up with you cardiologist/electrophysiologist! You will likely find plenty on here with atrial fibrillation, but not many heart block or ventricular issues.
Not sure how it would affect training and racing, but I would think that increasing your heart rate with a slow repolarization of the ventricles would increase you likelihood of a bad arrythima? Good luck!
I’m a 39 year old woman. I will have a cardiologist as of next week, but I haven’t seen him yet. I am not on meds that can cause this, but what about an inhaler? I recently started using one (less than a year ago) primarily before open water swimming because of asthma brought on by cold - I also have Raynaud’s. I have a systolic murmur, but don’t know if that has anything at all to do with this. My Mom had an atrial septal defect that was just diagnosed at 76 yrs. of age, and had an implant put in…otherwise great health. She just told me that she used to faint when she was young - I never have. My dr. did an ECG because I have had an arrythmia while riding and there is no record of the echo that was done years ago (when they had just found the murmur.) I will definitely follow through with all the testing, etc., but I don’t want to stop training and racing EVER.
I can’f offer much info other than my own experience…hopefully your situation turns out like mine and its nothing.
At the ripe old age of 22 I suddenly lost conciousness during a run…ended up in hospital with no real diagnosis. Then had every test under the sun…ECG, Exercise stress test x2, Ultrasound etc. Came back with “borderline” prolonged QT.
Ended up having an electrophysiology study which is apparently the “gold standard” of tests and also allows the electrophys guy to fix the problem if required. A cardiac catheter is inserted in your leg and they play with your heart for a while. The cardiac ward is not a place I want to go again.
The electrophysiologist couldn’t really see a problem and cleared me to do whatever I want. I’m not complaining and haven’t really thought about it since.
Apparently the implications of long QT syndrome can be fairly severe…glad I don’t have to deal with it.
The answer to this question depends on A LOT of factors. Talk seriously to your cardiologist. Expect several visits and some more tests before this is all done.
I’m glad it turned out ok for you - that makes me feel better right now, too, and hopefully it will be the same for me. So to what did they attribute your loss of consciousness during your run?
Thanks - I plan to. What factors are you referring to? Are there any specific questions I should ask?
The big question is if you have a lightly long QT interval that means nothing or if you have long QT syndrome. Long QT syndrome is usually thought of as deadly, but in truth there are several subtypes that can be distinguished by genetic testing. Each subtype has its own unique set of characteristics and the settings under which they can lead to sudden cardiac death can be vastly different.
If you have access to a medical library, read this to get an idea of how complex long QT analysis has become:
JAMA. 2005;294:2975-2980.
If you want to read a review about it, one that we use for our medical students rotating on the sports medicine elective here at Wisconsin is:
Kapetanopoulos, A., et. al., The Congenital Long QT Syndrome and Implications for Young Athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise v. 38 no. 5 (May 2006) p. 816-25
Barry Maron is one of the authors of that review - I tend to trust what he writes. I think he thinks of sudden cardiac death in athletes in a very practical way.
I can’t put the links in because they wouldn’t work for you - our library restricts outside access. But if you can’t find these on your own, PM me with your email and I can send them to you as PDFs.
The moral of this story is that it is a lot more complex than you are going to be able to get any idea of off of this forum. Googling it will give you nothing but more anxiety.
Let me know if I can help.
Andy
I did google it, of course, and you’re absolutely right - freaked me out. No more searches. I would appreciate it if you would send the articles for me to read - I will PM you with my email. Thanks!
Was hoping you would see this thread.
Very nice Andy!