Inherited ion-channel disorders can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. A recent, rare entity has been discovered and termed short QT syndrome due to its electrocardiac features in conjunction with atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias as well as syncope and sudden cardiac death. The basis of the new syndrome is genetic and this review covers the genes responsible for the condition as well as the pathophysiology and diagnostic challenges involved in the syndrome. Furthermore, treatment for this new arrhythmic syndrome is reviewed.