Heart Conditions Can be Genetic
Inherited heart conditions are passed on through families and are caused by a change (or mutation) in one or more of our genes. There are many types of inherited heart conditions, including:
Cardiomyopathy
An abnormality of the heart muscle making it harder for the heart to pump blood to the body
Arrhythmia
An abnormality of the heart rhythm causing the heart to beat too fast, too slow or irregularly
Arteriopathy
Problems with the structure of the arteries in many parts of the body, including the heart
Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)
Causes very high cholesterol from a young age and makes you more likely to get coronary heart disease.
Closer Look at Family History
People with high cholesterol and FH are 22 times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than those with normal cholesterol and no FH. Knowing your genetic risk can help you work with your healthcare provider to create a personalized cholesterol-lowering plan that might include:
Cholesterol management
If you have FH, your healthcare provider might recommend treatment with statins or alternative medications to help remove some of the extra cholesterol from your body
Lifestyle recommendations
Your healthcare provider may suggest lifestyle changes to limit FH’s impact on your health. They may recommend a regular exercise routine or a diet that’s low in saturated and trans fats, salt, and added sugars.
Family care
As hereditary health disorders run in families, your results can help your loved ones understand their health risk.
Insights Into Inherited Heart Conditions
Some heart conditions can be genetic.
Inherited heart conditions can be successfully managed.
Inherited heart conditions can be successfully managed.
1 in 200 people have a heart condition with a genetic basis. If left undetected and untreated, these conditions can be life-threatening
Inherited heart conditions can be successfully managed.
Inherited heart conditions can be successfully managed.
Inherited heart conditions can be successfully managed.
Finding out early can help you and your healthcare provider create a personalized plan to prevent heart disease or sudden cardiac arrest.
This information helps your family, too.
Inherited heart conditions can be successfully managed.
This information helps your family, too.
Because inherited heart conditions can run in families, knowing whether you’re at risk can help your loved ones take proactive care of their own heart health.