page_title: Long QT syndrome
section_title: Schwartz score
hierarchical_section_title: Long QT syndrome / Diagnosis / Schwartz score
caption_attribution_description: English: ECG from an individual with long QT syndrome demonstrating T-wave alternans
context_page_description: Long QT syndrome is a condition in which repolarization of the heart after a heartbeat is affected. It results in an increased risk of an irregular heartbeat which can result in fainting, drowning, seizures, or sudden death. These episodes can be triggered by exercise or stress. Some rare forms of LQTS are associated with other symptoms and signs including deafness and periods of muscle weakness.
  Long QT syndrome may be present at birth or develop later in life. The inherited form may occur by itself or as part of larger genetic disorder. Onset later in life may result from certain medications, low blood potassium, low blood calcium, or heart failure. Medications that are implicated include certain antiarrhythmics, antibiotics, and antipsychotics. LQTS can be diagnosed using an electrocardiogram if a corrected QT interval of greater than 480–500 milliseconds is found, but clinical findings, other EKG features, and genetic testing may confirm the diagnosis with shorter QT intervals.
  Management may include avoiding strenuous exercise, getting sufficient potassium in the diet, the use of beta blockers, or an implantable cardiac defibrillator.
context_section_description: The Schwartz score has been proposed as a method of combining clinical and ECG factors to assess how likely an individual is to have an inherited form of LQTS. The table below lists the criteria used to calculate the score.
caption: T-wave alternans in an individual with long QT syndrome
exif: {"Image Artist": "Charlie Pearman", "Image ExifOffset": "2138", "Image XPAuthor": "Charlie Pearman", "Image Padding": "[]", "EXIF Padding": "[]"}