Treatment for a Full Spectrum of Cardiovascular Genetic Conditions 

Heart disease can be caused by both inherited and environmental factors. Having an underlying genetic cause can put a person or family at an increased risk of developing severe symptoms at an early age and can have detrimental consequences in a family.

Some conditions affect the heart muscle and its ability to beat properly, causing patients to experience heart failure and associated symptoms. Some conditions affect your heartbeat and its proper rhythm. These arrythmias can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, heart palpitations or other events.  

Identifying individuals and families with an underlying genetic risk can help to determine diagnosis, treatment and preventative care measures. Speaking with a specialist familiar with inherited forms of heart disease can help to determine cause, risk to family, medical management recommendations and additional risks. 

Arrhythmia-Related Genetic Variants 

The majority of the conditions we test for are autosomal dominant conditions, meaning that if you have the gene for the condition, your children have up to a 50% chance of inheriting the same genetic risk. In some cases, there is data to recommend testing children or young adults before they become symptomatic. At your appointment, we will go over all the options available to you and your family.  

Genetic conditions we test for and treat include: 

• Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC/D) 
• Brugada syndrome 
• Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) 
• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) 
• Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) 
• Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hTTR) 
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) 
• Long QT syndrome (LQTS) 

Early detection is important. We use genetic testing to identify specific gene variants linked to these conditions and guide your care.  

Symptoms of Cardiovascular Genetic Conditions 

Symptoms of cardiovascular conditions can vary. While many people have mild or no symptoms, severe cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. The best way to stay protected is to discuss any concerns or family history with your provider.  

Common signs of a cardiovascular genetic condition include: 

• Dizziness or fainting, especially during exercise and stress 
• Family history of the condition in multiple family members 
• Fatigue 
• Known familial genetic variant in family members 
• Racing or fluttering heartbeat (palpitations) 
• Shortness of breath 

Treatments We Offer for Cardiovascular Genetic Conditions  

Treatment depends on your specific condition and symptoms. Our team works to regulate heart rhythm and prevent heart failure with a combination of therapies. Your care may include: 

• A pacemaker placement to control your heartbeat 
• An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a device that sends pulses to reset your heart rhythm when needed 
• Cardioversion, a therapy that uses paddles or patches on the chest to send an electrical shock and reset heart rhythm 
• Medications to control heart rhythm, lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots 

Catheter ablation is a common minimally invasive heart surgery to treat arrhythmia. A provider inserts a catheter (long, flexible tube) into your blood vessels to reach your heart. Sensors on the end of the catheter use heat or cold energy to form tiny scars in your heart. These scars help block abnormal signals and restore a normal heartbeat. 

In rare cases, your care team may recommend a heart transplant if other treatments don’t work. 

Our heart rhythm and genetic specialists deliver coordinated care for inherited cardiovascular disorders. You’ll receive a personalized plan for diagnosis, treatment and long-term management.