In a heartbreaking yet inspiring story from Maharashtra, a rare and often undiagnosed heart condition—Long QT Syndrome (LQTS)—was finally identified after three sudden deaths in one family, ultimately saving the life of a young boy named Gajanan.
💔 A Family’s Silent Struggle
In a small village in Beed, tragedy struck Anita’s family again and again:
- Her husband died in his sleep in 2018.
- Her 8-year-old son passed in his sleep in 2015.
- Then, her 5-year-old daughter died suddenly at home.
When Gajanan, her only surviving child, started showing signs like frequent fevers and breathlessness, Anita decided not to take any more chances. She brought him to Holy Family Hospital in Bandra, Mumbai—nearly 400 km away.
🩺 The Life-Saving Diagnosis: Long QT Syndrome (LQTS)
At the hospital, Dr. Yash Lokhandwala, a heart rhythm specialist, discovered Gajanan had congenital Long QT Syndrome. This is a genetic heart rhythm disorder that can cause fainting spells, seizures, or even sudden death, especially during sleep or physical stress.
The heart’s electrical system uses specific intervals to regulate the beat. In LQTS patients, the QT interval is longer than normal, which can lead to irregular heartbeats.
Though rare, LQTS affects about 1 in 2,000 people globally. In Gajanan’s case, the father is believed to have been the genetic carrier, passing it unknowingly to his children.
💉 The Treatment That Changed Everything
To save Gajanan, the doctors performed a cardiac sympathetic denervation on February 25. This minimally invasive surgery targets the nerves responsible for triggering adrenaline-induced irregular heart rhythms. The result? Gajanan’s heart is now more stable and less sensitive to stress.
The procedure typically costs between ₹1.5–2.5 lakhs, but thanks to private donations, the hospital covered the cost for the family.
🙏 A Wake-Up Call for Awareness
A doctor from KEM Hospital emphasized the importance of early detection. QT intervals are often ignored during ECGs. Any patient with unexplained fainting or seizures should be evaluated for LQTS.”
🌱 Gajanan’s New Beginning
Discharged on March 1, Gajanan is back to his playful routine, healthy and active. His family, especially his mother Anita and uncle Sujit, say they’re just grateful for the second chance.
As a doctorpreneur, you can:
- Raise awareness about rare conditions like LQTS
- Offer remote screening and telehealth ECG services in rural areas
- Partner with NGOs and hospitals for fundraising for life-saving procedures
- Educate general practitioners to spot red flags in common symptoms
📣 Final Thoughts
One ECG. One diagnosis. One life saved. Let Gajanan’s story be a call to action for the entire medical community. Let’s bridge the gap between urban expertise and rural healthcare access.
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