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Heart conditions can affect every aspect of your child’s life. So, we listen to your child’s story and recommend the evidence-based treatments that’ll keep them safe, while focusing on what works best for them.
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You had no clue something was wrong with your child’s heart. Until they suddenly lost consciousness.
This could be the first sign of long QT syndrome (LQTS) — a rare condition that happens when your child’s heart’s electrical system takes too long to “recharge” between heartbeats. And that delay can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening, arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms).
If your child has LQTS, it helps to know that they have an expert heart team on their side. Cleveland Clinic Children’s pediatric cardiology providers are recognized for their skill, outstanding results and compassionate care. We’re here to help your child’s heart start beating the way it should again.
Heart conditions can affect every aspect of your child’s life. So, we listen to your child’s story and recommend the evidence-based treatments that’ll keep them safe, while focusing on what works best for them.
Our pediatric healthcare providers are highly trained and experienced in LQTS in children care. From the latest cardiac devices, like pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and monitoring devices, to cardiovascular genetic counseling and testing, we give your child the sophisticated care they need. Meet our team.
Our pediatric heart providers are specialists in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm and electrical signaling problems in children. We have the technology, tools and experience to offer highly personalized care. People bring their children here from all 50 states and dozens of countries for expert pediatric cardiac and vascular care with excellent results.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s cardiac providers constantly research new treatments and therapies to provide top care with the best outcomes. Our clinical trials help us create new treatments by testing the latest drugs, surgery tools and techniques and other therapies before they’re widely available.
Virtual visits let you and your child meet one-on-one with their pediatric providers from home, using a smartphone, tablet or computer. Some restrictions may apply to new patient virtual visits. We also encourage in-person annual visits to do testing.
Cleveland Clinic Children's is a trusted healthcare leader. We're recognized throughout the U.S. for our expertise and care.
Maybe your child was born with long QT syndrome (congenital) or perhaps a medication caused it (acquired). All forms of LQTS are considered a sudden arrhythmic death syndrome.
It’s also important to understand that LQTS affects people differently. You might not have known your child had it until they or someone in your family experienced a sudden, life-threatening event, or until their pediatric provider discovered it through routine testing.
At your child’s first appointment, their pediatric provider will ask:
Then they’ll do a physical exam, which includes listening to your child’s heart and measuring their pulse. They may also order other tests, like:
These tests can help rule out other conditions and confirm a LQTS diagnosis. They also help us learn if your child’s LQTS is genetic or acquired. All of this information guides your child’s treatment plan.
We work as a team at Cleveland Clinic Children's to give you the most personalized and comprehensive care. Your team could include:
These pediatric providers work together to craft the best treatment plan for your child. And they meet regularly to go over their progress and adjust treatment as needed. You’re also an important member of our team. We’ll include you in every decision about your child’s care.
Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s treats children of all ages with congenital or acquired LQTS. We build a treatment plan using the latest evidence-based practices. Your child’s plan may include:
LQTS can affect different parts of your child’s everyday life. You’ll need to check with your child’s pediatric provider before they do certain things. We recommend keeping your child hydrated and having them avoid certain “triggers.” Your child’s provider will go over specific lifestyle changes with you at their appointment. Our goal is to keep your child doing the things they love, safely, with LQTS.
Beta-blockers can keep your child’s heart from beating too fast if they’re physically or emotionally stressed. Certain medications can prolong the QT interval. If possible, we may recommend having your child avoid these medications. If they can’t be stopped, we’ll keep a close eye on your child while they continue taking them. We’ll explain all of this during your child’s appointment.
Your child's pediatric provider may recommend a cardiac device to help regulate their heart rhythm. We implant a full range of pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and loop recorders and do more than 50,000 device checks a year in person and remotely. Your child's care team will go over cardiac device options with you.
We only rarely treat LQTS with surgery. In most cases, we do it when the condition hasn’t responded to other treatments. Left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) surgery, or sympathectomy, detaches the nerves that cause dangerous heart rhythms and helps your child’s heart keep a steady pace.
Facing a chronic (lifelong) heart condition like long QT syndrome can affect every part of your child’s life. They’ll need to commit to regular care and management, so it’s important to have the right team by their side. Cleveland Clinic Children’s has providers dedicated to treating heart conditions in children like LQTS. We’re here to support your child, and you, through this journey and find ways to reduce their symptoms and risk of complications. We want you and your child to feel confident about moving forward in everyday life.
Getting an appointment with Cleveland Clinic Children's long QT syndrome experts is easy. We’re here to help you get the care you need.
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