Long QT syndrome is when the heart’s electrical system takes too long to recharge. This problem can be life-threatening as it causes abnormal heart rhythm.
It can be acquired or inherited.
Though most people take medications to control long QT syndrome, others require surgery or may need a device to lower the risk of abnormal heart rhythm.
Before we look at celebrities with Long QT Syndrome, let us better understand the syndrome, its symptoms, and its causes.
What is Long QT Syndrome?
Long QTor heart conduction disorder is better known by its initials LQTS. It’s a heart signalling disorder that causes chaotic and fast heartbeat (arrhythmias).
While some people with an altered DNA that causes LQTS can cause congenital long QT syndrome, others acquire it later in life (acquired Long QT syndrome), which can result from some medical conditions, mineral imbalances and certain drugs.
Symptoms of Long QT Syndrome
The symptoms of LQTS may be silent and can only be discovered after an electrocardiogram (ECG) testing is done. However, below are some common symptoms associated with LQTS:
- Fainting
- Blurred vision
- Palpitations (pounding heartbeats)
- General body weakness
- Lightheadedness
Causes Of Long QT Syndrome
Below are the triggers of LQTS:
- Use of certain antibiotics like erythromycin, azithromycin and others
- Use of antifungal pills
- Use of antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs
- Low calcium (hypocalcemia)
- Low magnesium (hypomagnesemia)
- Low potassium (hypokalemia)
- Brain or stroke bleed
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Who Are The Celebrities With Long QT Syndrome?
Below are a few known celebrities with LQTS.
1. Nicholas McDonald
Nicholas McDonald is a Scottish songwriter, singer, and recording artist born November 23, 1996.
In 2013, however, he was a runner-up in the X Factor tenth series. After the show, Nicholas signed with RCA Records, where he released his first debut album, In The Arms of An Angel, in 2014.
Unfortunately, at the age of 8, Nicholas was at the edge of his life as he was almost killed by a heart attack while playing football.
Later, when competing in the X Factor show, his judge, Loius Walsh, feared that he could collapse on stage due to his series with long QT syndrome.
2. Crystal Hefner
Crystal Hefner is an American model and the former playboy bonny actor.
She disclosed that she was diagnosed with a rare heart rhythm syndrome called Long QT Syndrome.
She encounters an irregular heartbeat that leads to fainting seizures, and she is afraid that it may cause a sudden death.
Additionally, she said that finding people on social media experiencing the same fate has helped her tremendously. Knowing she is not suffering alone has made it easier to manage the condition.
3. Dana Vollmer
Dana Vollmer, the five-time Olympic gold medalist, former American competition swimmer and former world record holder, also has LQTS.
At only 14, Dana received some bad news from her doctor. She had LQTS that would hinder her from what she loved doing best – swimming.
She was removed from her first week of US Olympic trials for two years. The cardiologist discovered that she had an extra electrical pathway in her heart that caused her heartbeat of 250 beats per minute and extreme dizziness.
But that didn’t deter her from achieving her significant milestones. She underwent treatment, which helped her manage the condition, and returned to her favorite sport, where she won severely.
4. Bronny James
LeBron Raymore, popularly known as Bronny, is an American basketball player legend who was discovered to have congenital Long QT syndrome that caused his cardiac arrest.
He took a break of 5 months after surgery to manage his disorder and saw his debut for the Trojans, where he played at par.
5. Tyler Lajko
Tyler Lajko, the baseball star, also has the life-threatening syndrome Long QT.
Though he said he would like to get involved in basketball and football, his heart condition won’t allow him to.
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Though there is no known prevention of congenital Long QT syndrome, one can avoid acquiring Long QT Syndrome by avoiding medication that can lead to the graveous syndrome.
