About-Cardio
-
We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Short QT Syndrome: Causes and Risks
Introduction
Short QT syndrome (SQTS) is a rare genetic heart condition characterized by an abnormally short QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG). This condition can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
Causes of Short QT Syndrome
1. Genetic Mutations
- SQTS is primarily caused by mutations in genes that regulate potassium, calcium, or sodium ion channels in the heart.
- The most commonly affected genes include:
- KCNH2 (also associated with Long QT syndrome)
- KCNQ1
- KCNJ2
- CACNA1C
- SCN5A
- These mutations lead to increased repolarization of the heart, shortening the QT interval.
2. Electrolyte Imbalances
- Disorders that cause hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood) or hyperkalemia (excess potassium) can shorten the QT interval.
3. Certain Medications
- Some drugs, including digitalis and certain sympathomimetics, can contribute to shortened QT intervals.
4. Metabolic and Systemic Conditions
- Hyperthermia (fever-induced tachycardia)
- Autonomic dysfunction (affecting heart rate variability)
Risks Associated with Short QT Syndrome
- Increased risk of atrial and ventricular fibrillation
- Higher chance of sudden cardiac death (SCD), especially in young individuals
- Palpitations, syncope (fainting), and episodes of cardiac arrest in severe cases
Conclusion
SQTS is a serious but rare condition that requires early detection and management. Genetic testing and family screening play an essential role in diagnosis. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with SQTS, consulting a cardiologist is crucial to prevent complications.
Source recommendations
1. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Management of Patients with Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26320108/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
2. American Heart Association Guidelines for Risk Stratification and Management of Inherited Arrhythmia Syndromes
- https://www.hrsonline.org/guidance/clinical-resources/2013-hrsehraaphrs-expert-consensus-statement-diagnosis-and-management-patients-inherited-primary
- https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/S1547-5271(13)00552-3/fulltext
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/S1547-5271(19)30438-2/fulltext
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HCG.0000000000000067
-
If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Get second opinion
Here you can learn everything that even your doctor may not know about cardiology (if he does not speak English and he does not read 117 leading medical journals on cardiology every month).
The most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials
Our website contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials in your country.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.