Inherited Heart Conditions: The Genetic Cause of Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Adults
At a Glance: Genetic Testing for Inherited Heart Conditions
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Recently, a 21-year-old medical student, son of Union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya, suffered a massive heart attack and collapsed at his residence. The heart attack was fatal, and he passed away before any treatment could be provided. His father, Bandaru Dattatreya, was also suffering from a heart condition but was receiving treatment. At 71, heart conditions are common, but how did his healthy 21-year-old son have a heart attack? The answer lies in genetics.
Inherited heart conditions, also known as genetic heart conditions or inherited cardiac conditions (ICC), are passed down through families. They can affect people of any age and can be life-threatening if left undetected. For many families, the first sign of a problem is when someone dies suddenly with no obvious cause.
Do Genes Affect the Risk of a Heart Attack?
If we look into the young man's lifestyle, nothing was peculiar. He followed the same lifestyle as thousands of students across the country and was not under depression or stress. He ate from eateries and messes just like his friends and had put on some weight. These habits do not cause a heart attack. The answer lies in genes—the hereditary genetic component passed from father to son.
Genetically inherited heart conditions are caused by a fault (or mutation) in one or more of our genes. If one of your parents has a faulty gene, there's a 50:50 chance you could inherit it. If you do, there's also a 50:50 chance you could pass it on to each of your children. It's possible to have a faulty gene that leads to a heart condition yet never develop any signs or symptoms. If this happens, you can still pass the faulty gene on, and there's no way of knowing how it may affect your child.
What Inherited Heart Conditions Are There?
The most common inherited heart conditions are cardiomyopathies, inherited arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), and very high cholesterol levels.
Inherited Cardiomyopathies
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Inherited Arrhythmias (Abnormal Heart Rhythms)
- Long QT syndrome (LQTS)
- Brugada syndrome
- Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT)
- Progressive cardiac conduction defect (PCCD)
Very High Cholesterol Levels
- Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
Symptoms of Inherited Heart Conditions
Some people with an inherited heart condition have no symptoms, while others develop symptoms such as:
- Dizzy spells
- Palpitations
- Blackouts
Sadly, for many families, the first sign that something is wrong is when someone dies suddenly with no obvious cause.
Diagnosis of Inherited Heart Conditions
Diagnosing an inherited heart condition can be challenging, but your doctor or specialist may suspect one if:
- Genetic mutations and gene variations related to heart conditions are found
- You've been diagnosed with angina or had a heart attack at a young age
- A member of your family has been diagnosed with an inherited heart condition
- There's a history of sudden cardiac arrests or premature deaths in your family
Modern genetic testing, such as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Whole Exome Sequencing (WES), can identify mutations in genes associated with inherited cardiac conditions. These advanced techniques provide comprehensive analysis of multiple genes simultaneously, offering precise and actionable results.
What Happens If a Family Member Is Diagnosed?
If someone in your family has been diagnosed with an inherited heart condition, your doctor may suggest genetic screening to check the condition of your heart. You may also have a genetic test specifically to see if you've inherited the same faulty gene. This is called cascade testing.
Why Get Tested for an Inherited Heart Condition?
The benefits of being tested and having treatment if you're diagnosed with an inherited heart condition are:
- Your risk of getting coronary heart disease and having a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest is greatly reduced
- Monitoring and treatment can be started quickly
- Close members of your family can be tested and treatment can be started if needed
Genetic screening or testing for heart conditions can help identify the root problem and help you prevent any symptoms of the disease.
Information Gain Table: Comparison of Inherited Heart Conditions
| Condition | Key Features | Genetic Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy | Thickened heart muscle, often asymptomatic | NGS panel for sarcomeric genes |
| Long QT Syndrome | Prolonged QT interval, risk of arrhythmias | NGS panel for ion channel genes |
| Familial Hypercholesterolaemia | Very high LDL cholesterol, early heart disease | NGS panel for LDLR, APOB, PCSK9 |
Where Can I Get a DNA Test for Heart Conditions in India?
DNA Labs India is a leading molecular diagnostic and genetic testing laboratory dedicated to making a difference in patients' lives through the discovery and commercialization of transformative tests to assess a person's risk of developing disease, guide treatment decisions, and assess the risk of disease progression and recurrence. DNA Labs India is an ISO 9001 certified lab, ensuring high-quality standards in genetic testing.
How Can I Book Cardio Screening DNA Tests in India?
Visit the website www.dnalabsindia.com for any DNA test. We can help you with recommending the right DNA test for you. We have services in over 180 cities in India. Contact us on the below-mentioned numbers or visit our sample collection center near your location.
It is very easy to book a Cardio screening DNA Test. It is safe, secure, confidential, and best of all, an easy process. Avoid the hassle of taking a day off from work, traffic, and pollution. Our highly qualified sample collector will visit your home for sample collection as per your convenient time slot booked by you.