I was recently diagnosed with a Long Q Rhythm. I'm wondering if there is anyone else out there with this problem.
My Dr. recommends Beta Blocker and no more racing. He also commented that I've had this condition all my life so I'll probably be ok.
I would like to PM with anyone out there who is swimming with a similar situation. I am feeling very conflicted and would like to talk to someone in the same boat.
I read the paragraph about the sisters who swam in Nationals with a Long Q diagnosis, in fact that article motivated me to go to the electrophysicist (sp) and get this checked out by a specialist.
Bob, I was diagnosed with some sort of cardiac abnormality, and I couldn't remember the name. I looked up yours, which seems to be technically known as Long QT syndrome.
It turns out this is not what I have. I have first degree heart block, which (knock on wood) doesn't seem to have too many serious repercussions most of the time.
The Long QT Syndrome, on the other hand, seems a bit more worrisome according to stuff I found on the Internet. Obviously, you should go to a good cardiologist, preferably one with a background in sports. Your history of marathoning and now swimming suggests to me that the standard cardiologist who spends his or her time treating the standard overweight sedentary American patient might be inclined to "better safe than sorry" namby pambyism, and try to sideline you from overly vigorous exercise.
Anyhow, here is a quote I found from the Mayo Clinic website, which usually presents health info in an easy to understand but quite nuanced fashion:
You may want to seek a second opinion if your doctor diagnoses you with long QT syndrome. Treatments for long QT syndrome can be life altering, such as avoiding strenuous exercise, taking powerful medications or having surgery. In addition, evidence suggests that misdiagnoses related to this condition are not uncommon — including diagnosing long QT syndrome when it's not actually present, and overlooking the condition when it is.
Best of luck, dear Bobinator! If you haven't had symptoms, like fainting during vigorous workouts, I personally would be inclined to continue working out--but maybe make sure there is a defibrillator handy, and somebody who knows how to use it.
Perhaps one of our learned forumite physicians--Drs. Dixon, Jaegermeister, and Gull--could opine from a more reputable perspective than this layman!
Bob, I was diagnosed with some sort of cardiac abnormality, and I couldn't remember the name. I looked up yours, which seems to be technically known as Long QT syndrome.
It turns out this is not what I have. I have first degree heart block, which (knock on wood) doesn't seem to have too many serious repercussions most of the time.
The Long QT Syndrome, on the other hand, seems a bit more worrisome according to stuff I found on the Internet. Obviously, you should go to a good cardiologist, preferably one with a background in sports. Your history of marathoning and now swimming suggests to me that the standard cardiologist who spends his or her time treating the standard overweight sedentary American patient might be inclined to "better safe than sorry" namby pambyism, and try to sideline you from overly vigorous exercise.
Anyhow, here is a quote I found from the Mayo Clinic website, which usually presents health info in an easy to understand but quite nuanced fashion:
You may want to seek a second opinion if your doctor diagnoses you with long QT syndrome. Treatments for long QT syndrome can be life altering, such as avoiding strenuous exercise, taking powerful medications or having surgery. In addition, evidence suggests that misdiagnoses related to this condition are not uncommon — including diagnosing long QT syndrome when it's not actually present, and overlooking the condition when it is.
Best of luck, dear Bobinator! If you haven't had symptoms, like fainting during vigorous workouts, I personally would be inclined to continue working out--but maybe make sure there is a defibrillator handy, and somebody who knows how to use it.
Perhaps one of our learned forumite physicians--Drs. Dixon, Jaegermeister, and Gull--could opine from a more reputable perspective than this layman!
