INHERITED: Inherited long QT syndrome was first clearly described in 1957. There are two variants, the autosomal dominant Romano-Ward (named by the doctors who first described the disease, O. Connor Ward and C. Romano) type and the autosomal recessive Jervell, Lange-Nielsen (Doctors A. Jervell, F. Lange-Nielsen) type. Inherited long QT syndrome is caused by mutations of at least 9 genes, and possibly more. Five different genes have so far been found.

The long QT syndrome (LQTS) is causing an abnormality of the heart's electrical system. The mechanical function of the heart is entirely normal. The electrical problem is due to defects in heart muscle cell structures called ion channels. These electrical defects predispose affected persons to a very fast heart rhythm (arrhythmia) called "Torsade de Pointes" (TdP) which leads to sudden loss of consciousness (syncope) and may cause sudden cardiac death.

The diagnosis is commonly suspected or made from the electrocardiogram (ECG). All children and young adults should have an ECG as part of their evaluation for an unexplained loss of consciousness episode. On the other hand, there is the possibility to check blood samples for known gene mutations that cause LQTS.

The name of the long QT syndrome refers to the QT-interval measured on the electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG for the German term "Elektrokardiogramm"). Your specialist may refer to long QT syndrome as Romano-Ward syndrome or Jervell, Lange-Nielsen syndrome (see point 3).

The frequency is unknown but it appears to be a common cause of sudden and unexplained death in children and young adults. It is certainly much more common than previously thought. It may be as frequent as 1 in 5000 to 7000. This means, one of 5000 to 7000 newborns have the disease. The Jervell, Lange-Nielsen form is rare, but the Romano-Ward variant is being recognized with increasing frequency. In the USA, the presence of long QT syndrome is estimated to affect about 50.

It is generally estimated that approximately 10% to 12% of all patients with long QT syndrome show a normal QT-interval on their ECG. However, this does not mean that these patients are not affected by long QT syndrome. In such cases, a more profound evaluation is needed.

It has been noticed that several cardiac arrests occur during summer time. But it is not sure if it this may be an excess in statistical terms. It is however hard to define if these cardiac arrests are related to a specific "risk" due to heat or sweating or if it is mainly a reflection of increased physical activity, excitement and playing during the summer.

The 9-month interval during pregnancy and the delivery itself are not associated with an increased occurrence of heart events in any of the LQTS women. However, it appears that the physical and emotional stress during the 9-month period after pregnancy (the postpartum period) may be a factor in triggering heart rhythm disorders in some vulnerable women with LQTS.

There are two ways to make a diagnosis for QT syndrome. The first is to check if the QT-interval on the ECG of a suspected patient is prolonged. Because the heart stopps beating when death occurs, this possbility is out of question - except an ECG of the dead person already exists, of course. The only possibility would be to check body fluids of the dead person - in this case blood - for the known gene mutations that cause QT syndrome.

Studies show there are significant gender differences in genotyped LQTS patients relative to age of first episode, syncope, cardiac arrest and sudden death. Males seem to have a higher risk of cardiac events (meaning syncope or blackout spells, cardiac arrest and sudden death) during childhood (with an average earlier age of onset in males at 8 years old vs.14 years in females), through puberty. Studies reveal females have an increased risk relative to males during adulthood.

Most of the studies in the medical literature confirm that no major differences exist between brand and generic drugs. However it is fair to recognize that occasional reports have raised concern that certain generic brands may be less effective than brand name products (see: Cervera Barba EJ. [Increase of arterial pressure caused by generic atenolol] Aten Primaria. 2001 Feb 15;27(2):146-8).

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the resolution time for plantar fasciitis / heel pain syndrome averages 6-18 months. Roughly half of the reported cases of heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis have had the condition for more than a year.

It is not your doctor's fault but all of the medical training was taught on how to repair and diagnose problems but not how to prevent. Preventive care is in its infancy and unless your doctor is schooled as an herbalist (Homeopathic) or as a nutritionalist, then he will not be familiar with all natural herbal remedies.

In acute conditions, results can be expected in a matter of minutes, In chronic conditions, some results should be seen within two weeks. Although chronic conditions may require taking Chinese herbal medicine for a long time, nonetheless, signs that the medicine is working should be apparent to patient and practitioner alike almost from the very start.

Once the case is seen and prescription is decided normally it takes 3 to 7 days for the medicines to reach after dispatching. In case you do not receive the medicine within 10 days of giving the case kindly contact your physician Normally these medicines do not loose their efficacy unless they are exposed to very strong sun / direct sunlight or strong odors.

It depends on the condition. When you start, to adequately address your concern, it is recommended to take it in the full dosage and it lasts about 8-10 days. You may lower the dose afterward.

Often used with other types of therapy, medicines can be a very important part of treatment. They can eliminate, control or reduce the symptoms of mental or emotional illness. Medicines used to treat mental or emotional illness are called psychotropic drugs. Since their side effects vary by medicine and individual, their use should be monitored by the medical professional who prescribed it.

Most patients will require some type of pain medicine during the postoperative period. There are a wide variety of medications available to fit the needs of each individual. Narcotic medications are useful during the initial few weeks. These can be gradually weaned as recovery progresses and the pain diminishes. Patients undergoing a fusion operation should AVOID taking non-steroidal medications because they inhibit bone formation and diminish the chance of obtaining a successful fusion.

The duration of the QT-interval is a measure of the time required for depolarization and repolarization to occur. In long QT syndrome, the duration of repolarization is longer than normal. Thus, the QT-interval is prolonged. An interval above 440 milliseconds (msec) is considered prolonged. QT-prolongation in is due to overload of myocardial cells with positively charged ions during ventricular repolarization.

to 470 milliseconds is considered borderline. The average QTc for someone who has long-QT syndrome is 490 milliseconds. A QTc at or above 480 milliseconds in females or 470 milliseconds in males, is probably a sign for long-QT syndrome, in the absence of drugs, electrolyte disturbance, or other conditions that might independently lengthen the QT-interval.

To understand how Chinese medicine works, one must first concede that there is no separation of mind, body, and spirit. The body cannot live without the mind and vice versa. Western medicine seeks to separate and examine each of these components of the human experience in minute detail. Unlike Western medicine, the Eastern system does not seek to quantify the measure of health in the body.

It can take anywhere from 2 days to 6 weeks for medication to arrive after approval for participation in the program.

Normally if you have given right history and the physician has appreciated in correct perspective and given the correct medicines, you will start feeling better immediately. There are three things which develop as a positive response

Turnaround time varies. The average turnaround time is 3 to 4 weeks from the time a completed application is received to the time the medication arrives; but it can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. A patient or advocate can call the company and request the status of their application and ask when they can expect the medicines to be shipped and if the application was completed properly.

The latest version of Qt can be downloaded from http://www.troll.no or from ftp.troll.no, and a whole range of ftp mirror sites around the world. Look for a mirror near you on the list available under http://www.troll.no/dl/

Similar to conventional medicine, Naturopathic medicine utilizes comparable diagnostic methods including physical exams and labs. Where we differ is mainly in our treatment methods and our philosophies. In the state of New Hampshire Naturopaths have a formulary in which they can prescribe a wide variety of pharmaceuticals, however; our first choice is naturopathic modalities.

Okay, first of all, I'll suppress the urge to rant about treating depression yourself. I'll assume that you have been diagnosed by a psychiatrist and had other illnesses ruled out, and that your doctor has not recommended trying antidepressants or they haven't worked for you. Please stay away from the numerous sources on the Web which are selling herbs that they promise will banish depression. They are only looking to benefit financially from your pain.

The medicine is slow acting, it takes time to get into your system, and your body to adjust. It may take 2 - 6 weeks to get results. Hang in there, we have all been through it. Come and talk with us, you will find it will help. Your doctor is right to send you to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist specializes in these disorders, and knows how and what to prescribe. You are both doing the right thing. If your family doctor does offer to treat you, ask him for a referral to a psychiatrist.