All Things Heart - Rhythm Disorder

Media Resources

Jill Chadwick

News Director

Office: (913) 588-5013

Cell: (913) 223-3974

Email

jchadwick@kumc.edu

Kyle Steinmiller was just a teenager when he started worrying about his heart. His morning alarm would go off, and his heart rate would go up. He experienced a heart rate of around 300 beats per minute. It was a sign of an uncommon rhythm disorder called long QT syndrome. It can cause fast, chaotic heartbeats (arrhythmias). Long QT syndrome could be deadly if left untreated. Kyle was young, just a junior in high school in Pittsburg, Kansas. Kyle and his family tried to find answers and ended up at the University of Kansas Health System, where he met cardiologist and electrophysiologist Dr. Rhea Pimentel. Dr. Pimentel was able to diagnose Kyle, saving his life. Kyle and his family were in for another shock. He wasn’t the only one in his family with long QT syndrome. Dr. Pimentel diagnosed both his mother and brother with the condition. All Things Heart explores treatment options and the genetic component that had Dr. Pimentel investigate his family history, saving two more lives. 

Guests:

  • Kyle Steinmiller, Patient 
  • Dr. Rhea Pimentel, cardiologist and electrophysiologist