Coping and support

Worrying about possible dangerous heart rhythms associated with long QT syndrome can cause stress for you and your loved ones. Take steps to help your loved ones better understand how to support you and care for you in an emergency.

• Tell other people. Make family, friends, teachers, neighbors and anyone else who has regular contact with you aware of your heart condition and your symptoms. Wear a medical alert identification to notify others of your condition.
• Have an emergency plan. Family members may want to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation so they can provide immediate resuscitation if you ever need it. In some situations, it might be appropriate to have or be able to rapidly access an automatic external defibrillator.
• Seek support or counseling. Some people find it helpful to join a support group, where they can share their experiences and feelings with other people and families who are familiar with the condition. Families with inherited long QT syndrome might also find it helpful to talk to a genetics counselor.