A ringing alarm clock. A car horn. Even a scary movie or a difficult test.
All of them can be life-threatening for certain patients with a frightening medical condition.
"I went into sudden cardiac arrest and had to be shocked back 14 times," said Dana Cruthers.
Dana has Long QT Syndrome – a heart rhythm disorder that causes extremely fast, life-threatening heartbeats.
"It can lead to sudden death or cardiac arrest within minutes," said cardiologist Maribel Hernandez.
Hernandez says the disorder happens when the heart takes too long between beats.
"Anyone who has a family member who dies suddenly, particularly in young age children or any teenager in the family or a crib death. Any children who faint or have a seizure disorder should be evaluated," said Hernandez.
Some cardiologists believe many drownings are the actually the result of Long QT Syndrome. The disorder can be detected by a simple electrocardiogram or EKG.
"We measure the interval between the Q and the T wave. If it's too long, then we know there is a problem," said Hernandez.
After the attack, doctors implanted a defibrillator into Dana's chest.
"If you develop that life-threatening fast rhythm, in seconds it detects the rhythm and shocks the heart back to normal," said Hernandez.
Dana lives a normal life, but is careful.
"I still avoid roller coasters, scary movies, anything that will give me an adrenaline rush," said Dana.
Genetic testing can spot the mutation, but that's not the only cause. In some patients, Long QT Syndrome can also be brought on by medications including certain antibiotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, diuretics and cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Fortunately, many people with the condition have a mild form and never experience life-threatening symptoms.
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