Long QT Syndrome
Follow Up Required
Your child participated in a cardiac screening with Who We Play For. An ECG was performed and reviewed by a licensed Cardiologist with specific training on reading ECGs according to the International Criteria.
Initial findings of that ECG indicate that secondary testing is necessary.
What does it mean to have an abnormal ECG?
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Abnormal ECG Flag
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Being flagged with an abnormal from the WWPF Medical Advisory team means our pedicatric cardiologist who reviewed the electrocardiogram (ECG) saw something that matches an abnormality. This does not mean with 100% certainty that there is an abnormality, but additional follow up should be done in order to ensure nothing is wrong.
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It is recommended by the WWPF Medical Advisory Team to receive follow up care within 90 days of an abnormal flag. The person can continue to participate in activities as long as they are symptom free.
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If there was an abnormal flag on an ECG the following symptoms would be cause for immediate medical attention:
Fainting or seizures during or immediately following exercise.
Unexplained shortness of breath.
Dizziness.
Extreme fatigue.
Racing heart (feels like it is beating out of your chest).
Sudden and unexplained death of a family member under the age of 50.
If you experience any of these symptoms get an appointment with a pediatric cardiologist right away.
What is Long QT Syndrome?
Initial findings from your child's cardiac screening shows an extended heart beat. The duration between the heart filling with blood and contraction to push the blood throughout the body is considered to be longer than is recommended for athletes.
Note that this differs from a slow heart beat or slow heart rate. The measured interval is shown on the ECG as the QTc measurement, which means it needs to be corrected for heart rate. Complications can occur in athletes with QT Abnormalities as their heart rate goes up. The heart might overlap beats and begin a very serious rhythm or even sudden cardiac death.
Consultation with an Electrophysiologist is recommended.
Diagnosis:
QRc: Should be greater than 470ms for boys and 480ms for girls. Less than 340ms for any athlete.
Family History: Review extended family history, up to 4 generations if possible.
Consult: Electrophysiologist or Pediatric Cardiologist
Secondary Test Might Include:
Stress Test
Prolonged ECG Monitoring
Genetic Testing
Your child can continue to participate in the current sports season within school/orgnaization guidelines, but should seek the advice of a Cardiologist for a more detailed examination.
Follow Up Care By State
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An ECG is one of the only ways to catch a life-threatening heart defect before SCA occurs. Have you been screened?
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AEDs assist in life-saving, time-sensitive measures that must be taken when a person has a SCA event. Make sure your community has an AED.
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Physicians
The physicians involved in WWPF help us to read ECGs from our participants and host ECGs in their offices.
