The World Health Organization estimates that India is responsible for one-fifth of all heart disease fatalities worldwide, particularly among the younger population.
What Is Genetic Heart Condition?
Genetic heart conditions, also known as inherited heart conditions or hereditary heart diseases, are disorders that are passed down through families due to genetic mutations. These conditions can affect the structure or function of the heart and may increase the risk of various cardiovascular problems.
For example, a person or an athlete over-35 who dies unexpectedly is typically found to have had an ischemic heart attack. However, a hereditary disease known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of the main causes of death.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most inherited type of genetic heart disease. Although a significant portion of HCM sufferers go undiagnosed, it is believed that 1 in 500 people have the condition.
What Is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?
The abnormal genes in the heart muscle cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM. These genes result in thicker-than-normal walls in the left ventricle of the heart. The stiffened walls may cause a reduction in the amount of blood pushed into and out of the body with each heartbeat. HCM may also lead to other severe diseases like atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, and other issues with the heart. It can cause heart failure or a sudden cardiac arrest.
What Are the Symptoms of Genetic Heart Diseases?
Depending on the disease and its severity, the inherited heart condition symptoms may vary. Some people who are impacted might not show any symptoms until much later in life, however, in other cases, though, symptoms could start as early as childhood or adolescent. The following are typical signs and symptoms of inherited cardiac conditions:
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeats
- Fatigue and shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Dizziness
- Swelling on the legs
- Sudden cardiac arrest or death
It's crucial to remember that people with hereditary cardiac disorders can exhibit a wide range of symptoms, both in terms of their severity and how quickly they develop. For early detection and effective management of medical conditions, routine medical exams are crucial, especially for people with a family history of heart disease.
Also Read: Heart Failure Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
How to Treat Inherited Heart Conditions?
Inherited Heart Conditions treatment can control symptoms and reduce the risk of death. Some common treatments are:
Medication: Patients may be administered medication to treat symptoms, regulate heart rate, and decrease their risk of developing arrhythmias or heart failure.
Implantable devices: Implantable devices, such as pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), may be advised for some arrhythmias in order to control heart rhythms and, if necessary, administer life-saving shocks.
Lifestyle changes: Modifying one's lifestyle can help control symptoms and lower the risk of problems. This includes engaging in regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and managing stress.
Genetic screening and testing: Genetic testing can be used to find those who are at a higher risk of acquiring genetic heart diseases. Early genetic testing can help with timely monitoring and interventions for family members.
Regular follow-up: Visits to a cardiologist on a regular basis are necessary to monitor the condition's development, change medications as needed, and assess the necessity for future therapies.
Family screening: If a genetic cardiac problem is discovered in one family member, screening may be beneficial for other family members to identify the condition early and implement proper management strategies.
The symptoms and family history must be understood for proper early diagnosis and treatment. To provide effective monitoring and individualized care for patients with genetic heart problems, lowering the risk of sudden death, and enhancing general heart health requires close collaboration with medical practitioners.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
