Options For Treating Long QT Syndrome

Left Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation Surgery

Left cardiac sympathetic denervation surgery is a procedure in which certain sympathetic nerves in the chest are removed. The removal of these nerves allows the body to regulate the rhythm of the heart better. Left cardiac sympathetic denervation surgery helps with the management of long QT syndrome because the dangerous arrhythmias associated with the condition are caused by the sympathetic nerve stimulation of the heart. Left cardiac sympathetic denervation surgery is a treatment reserved for cases of long QT syndrome that cannot be successfully treated with the use of medications. Some patients may not respond appropriately to beta blockers or may have other medical issues that make taking beta blockers dangerous.

Left cardiac sympathetic denervation surgery is also not used in patients who can manage long QT syndrome successfully with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. However, in some patients, this condition may be severe enough to cause the device to deliver excessive appropriate shocks that can become uncomfortable. Many patients who undergo left cardiac sympathetic denervation surgery already have an ICD to treat their long QT syndrome. The changes made to the sympathetic nervous system after the procedure and the device will work in tandem to manage the condition. Left cardiac sympathetic denervation surgery will reduce the frequency of dangerous arrhythmias, and the ICD is active and will be ready when one does occur.

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Reduce Exposure To Loud Noises

A critical part of treating long QT syndrome includes the prevention of sudden cardiac arrest. Cases of this condition that are a result of genetic mutations are classified into different types based on which gene the mutation has occurred. Long QT syndrome type 2 (LQTS2) affects the HERG or KCNH2 gene on chromosome number seven. This mutation disrupts the normal operation of the potassium channels that control the heart's rhythm. Patients affected by LQTS2 often experience ventricular arrhythmias in response to sudden or loud auditory stimuli. Noise from alarm clocks, crying babies, telephones, and many other things can cause an individual with LQTS2 to experience a dangerous cardiac event. Patients with LQTS2 are recommended to avoid situations or circumstances where they will be exposed to loud and startling noises of any kind. If the source of the noise cannot be removed from the affected individual's environment, then they should be removed from the noisy environment. It is critical to reduce exposure to loud noises in all types of LQTS, but those with type 2 have a higher risk of experiencing a life-threatening cardiac event triggered by noise.

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