Genetics of long-QT syndrome

Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an inherited arrhythmia syndrome characterized by a prolonged QT interval in the 12-lead ECG, torsades de pointes and not negligible prevalence of sudden cardiac death. The genetic testing plays an important role in the diagnosis of LQTS. A total of 15 genes have been reported for autosomal-dominant forms of Romano-Ward-type congenital LQTS and 2 genes for autosomal-recessive forms of the Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in genetics of LQTS and briefly describe forward perspectives of LQTS investigation.