2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 89
Designating May 9, in 2026 and in each succeeding year, as Long QT Syndrome Awareness Day in Virginia.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 11, 2026
Agreed to by the Senate, March 3, 2026
WHEREAS, the American Heart Association defines Long QT syndrome as a genetic or acquired heart electrical disorder where the ventricles take too long to recharge, potentially causing dangerous arrhythmias, palpitations, syncope, or sudden death; and
WHEREAS, Long QT syndrome takes its name from the electrical activity that occurs during the QT interval of a heartbeat; individuals with the disorder experience a longer period between Q and T waves, which may lead to sudden, uncontrollable fast heart rhythms; and
WHEREAS, symptoms of Long QT syndrome may include gasping while sleeping, fainting, or seizures; however, in one out of 10 patients, the first symptom is cardiac arrest or sudden death; and
WHEREAS, while not everyone with Long QT syndrome may develop dangerous heart rhythms, they are fatal when they do occur; and
WHEREAS, according to the American Heart Association, Long QT syndrome affects between one in 2,000 and one in 2,500 people; the disorder may be inherited or may occur later in life, but it is rare to develop symptoms after age 40; and