Heart diseases can run in families because of inheritable genetic mutations. Many people are at risk of serious heart ailments because of their blood relatives having impaired heart health. If ignored, hereditary heart disease can potentially be deadly, shares Dr. Sujay Shad, a leading heart surgeon at the Best Hospital for Heart Surgery in Delhi.
Here are some well-known hereditary heart diseases:
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy- This condition is characterized by thickening of the heart muscles and can lead to irregular heartbeat and sudden cardiac death. It mostly affects young athletes.
Long QT Syndrome- This condition affects the heart’s electrical system potentially leading to arrhythmias and even sudden cardiac death. It results from gene mutations that regulate ion channels in cardiac cells.
Familial Hypercholesterolemia- This condition is characterized by high cholesterol levels in the blood potentially causing a high risk of coronary artery disease.
Congenital Heart Disease- Some birth defects of the heart like certain valve or artery abnormalities are caused by genetic factors.
A few types of Cardiac tumors- Tuberous Sclerosis, Carley Complex, and Gorlin Syndrome, though rare, are often hereditary.
Other Inherited Conditions Linked to Affecting Cardiovascular System- Marfan syndrome which affects connective tissues and Brugada syndrome featuring abnormal heart rhythms are also hereditary.
A heart specialist can assess an individual’s risk for inherited heart disease through genetic testing. Genetic testing can identify specific gene mutations associated with such heart conditions. With early identification and appropriate treatment along with lifestyle modifications for a healthier heart, hereditary heart disease can be managed and serious complications can be avoided.
Even if environmental and other factors play a role in causing heart disease, getting regularly tested for hereditary heart disease is crucial. To know when to get tested for genetic heart conditions and take steps to protect heart health, it’s advised to be aware of the health history of your family.
Original Source:- https://celebisland.com/read-blog/45820_which-heart-conditions-are-hereditary.html
