Inherited conditions are caused by an abnormality in the genome, otherwise known as a mutation or a fault. Half of our genes get passed on to our children. So there is a 50% chance that a fault in the genome will be passed on to the children. Some of these conditions do not present with symptoms. However, it may lead to sudden cardiac death, sometimes the first indication of a heart condition being passed on in the family.
Your doctor may try to construct what is known as a family tree, which lists down the direct relations and draws the relationships between them. This is also known as a Pedigree chart and helps the doctor understand who else in the family might have a chance of developing the same heart conditions.
All inherited heart conditions may not have signs and symptoms. However, many of the cardiac symptoms that are commonly talked about may be present if you suffer from an inherited cardiac disease as well. You can read more about the signs and symptoms of heart disease in our article here. In family arrhythmias, a common condition that is passed on in the family, symptoms such as palpitations and fainting may occur.
There are several factors that are considered risk factors for developing cardiac ischemia such as hyperlipidemia hypertension, and high blood sugar. In some cases, the prevalence of these conditions, also known as metabolic syndrome, may be passed on from generation to generation. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a condition that leads to very high cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease. However, these are not classified as inherited cardiac conditions because they do not directly affect the heart or its structure.
If you suffer from an inherited heart condition, your doctor may recommend changes in your lifestyle, and medication for surgery which may include introducing implantable devices such as ICDs or in rare cases, heart transplantation.
It is important to note that, while exercise and sports are considered to be beneficial, they may prove dangerous beyond the level if you have inherited cardiac conditions. It is good to take advice from your doctor before engaging in new physically draining exercises.
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