Are Heart Arrhythmias Genetic?
A heart arrhythmia is when your heart beats too fast, too slow, or out of sync. Some arrhythmias can be genetic. A genetic arrhythmia happens when one or both of your parents pass down a gene change (mutation) that causes the arrhythmia. There are many gene mutations that can cause heart arrhythmias.
Types of Genetic Arrhythmias
There are many types of inherited heart arrhythmias:
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Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC)—This disease occurs when fatty or thick heart tissue replaces normal heart tissue, leading to an arrhythmia. ARVC can worsen when you do a tough workout, such as playing high-intensity sports over a period of time.
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Brugada syndrome—Your heartbeat shows a specific pattern, called a Brugada pattern, on an electrocardiogram (EKG). Brugada syndrome can cause sudden arrhythmias. These arrhythmias can lead to fainting or sudden cardiac death. High fevers can sometimes trigger these arrhythmias.
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Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT)—This rare condition causes a surge of certain hormones that create a stress response. Intense exercise or emotional stress may trigger these surges and lead to irregular heart rhythms.
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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)—People with HCM develop an enlarged or thickened heart muscle. HCM can cause problems including shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart failure, or irregular and life-threatening heart rhythms.
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Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation—Ventricular fibrillation occurs when your lower heart chambers (ventricles) contract in an uncoordinated and life-threatening manner. Cardiologists diagnose idiopathic ventricular fibrillation when there’s no clear reason for this dangerous arrhythmia.
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Long QT syndrome—People with this condition have a long QT interval. The QT interval is the time it takes for your lower heart chambers to contract, rest, and contract again. A long QT interval can cause an irregular, life-threatening heart rhythm.
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Short QT syndrome—People with this condition have a short QT interval. The short QT interval causes an irregular, life-threatening heart rhythm.
Signs & Symptoms of Arrhythmias
Different types of inherited arrhythmias cause different symptoms. Our heart specialists evaluate you for genetic arrhythmia when you have certain signs of the condition:
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Episodes of fainting
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Family history of genetic heart problems
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Family history of sudden death at a young age
Find an Inherited Arrhythmia Specialist
Causes & Risk Factors for Inherited Arrhythmias
Genetic mutations cause inherited arrhythmias. However, some lifestyle factors can increase your chances of having irregular heart rhythms:
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Diet high in sugar, saturated fats, or processed foods
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High fever
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Lack of exercise
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Medications that lengthen the QT interval. You can ask your provider or pharmacist if any of your medications have this risk.
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Strenuous physical activity, such as playing high-intensity sports
Your cardiologist will help you understand which lifestyle factors affect your risk.
Are Arrhythmias Dangerous?
Arrhythmias can be dangerous and life-threatening. They can cause sudden cardiac arrest (your heart stops beating unexpectedly because of an irregular heart rhythm). Sudden cardiac arrest causes someone to lose consciousness and stop breathing. It can lead to death without immediate emergency treatment.
Sudden cardiac arrest isn’t the same as a heart attack. A heart attack is when you have a sudden blockage in blood flow to your heart. Heart attacks sometimes trigger irregular heart rhythms that lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
You should see a cardiologist (heart doctor) if you have a family history of sudden or unexpected death. Your cardiologist will screen you for inherited arrhythmias. You can lower your risk of sudden cardiac death by getting an early diagnosis and care.
How Are Inherited Arrhythmias Diagnosed?
A cardiologist diagnoses an inherited arrhythmia. They will ask you questions about your family and personal health history. They will also use several tests:
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Electrocardiogram (EKG)—Your diagnostic testing starts with an EKG. We place small electrical patches (electrodes) on your chest during this test. These electrodes measure your heart’s electrical activity. An EKG helps us identify irregular rhythms.
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Genetic testing—You get a blood test for gene mutations that could cause arrhythmias. A genetic counselor discusses what the test results mean for you and your family.
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Cardiac MRI—MRIs use magnets and radio waves to take a picture of the inside of your body. It can give us more information about your heart structure and blood vessels.
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Echocardiogram—This test uses sound waves to get a clear picture of your heart chambers and valves. It can help us identify problems with your heart’s structure or blood flow.
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Electrophysiology (EP) studies—We insert small, flexible wires (catheters) through one of your blood vessels and into your heart. These tests analyze your heart’s electrical signals and rhythm.
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Holter monitor—You wear a small, portable device that records your heart’s electrical activity. You usually wear a Holter monitor for about 1 to 14 days. This test can help us detect irregular heart rhythms that didn’t show on your EKG.
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Stress test—You exercise or take a medication that mimics the effects of exercise while we monitor your heart. This test helps us understand how well your heart works during intense activity.
Heart Arrhythmia Treatments
Your treatment plan depends on your diagnosis and symptoms. The goal is to manage your symptoms and lower your risk of sudden cardiac death. Our cardiologists specialize in heart arrhythmias and offer several treatments:
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Lifestyle modifications—In some cases, limiting strenuous activity or making other lifestyle changes can manage an irregular heart rhythm.
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²Ñ±ð»å¾±³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô²õ—Your cardiologist may prescribe beta-blockers, anti-arrhythmia medicines, or blood thinners. These medicines help manage arrhythmias. The medicine lowers your risk of complications such as sudden cardiac death.
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Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs)—We place a small, battery-powered device beneath your skin under your collarbone. This is a surgical procedure. You receive medication to remain numb and relaxed but usually stay awake during the procedure. The ICD monitors your heart rhythm for irregularities. It sends a small electric shock to your heart if it detects an arrhythmia.
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Cardiac ablation—This is a minimally invasive procedure. We use catheters (thin, flexible tubes) and hot or cold energy to create small scars in your heart tissue. These scars block irregular electrical signals to control arrhythmias.
Why Choose ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ of Utah ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ
U of U ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ has a long history of researching inherited arrhythmia. Researchers in our program identified the gene mutations that cause long QT syndrome. Our commitment to innovation continues to drive us. We study new and promising therapies to offer you and your loved ones the most up-to-date treatments.
Our heart rhythm cardiologists work with multiple experts across many different specialties and programs:
This collaboration enables us to offer coordinated, efficient, advanced care