Inherited Cardiovascular Disease
Our genes are responsible for various things: how we look, our blood type, and even our risk of developing certain medical conditions. One of the most serious of these is heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. But could your genes be putting you at a greater risk for developing this fatal condition?
When a family member is diagnosed with heart disease or a heart disorder, it’s essential for other family members to undergo screening. These screenings help identify risk factors or early-stage disease that may not yet show symptoms.
If you have a first-degree relative—a father, mother, or sibling—who has had a heart attack or required stents or bypass surgery at a young age (under 55 for men and under 65 for women), you are considered at higher risk for developing coronary artery disease. Additionally, family members with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol can indicate an elevated genetic risk for cardiovascular disease.
Types of Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases
Tracking patterns of heart issues in your family can help doctors predict the likelihood of developing the same condition. Some of the inherited cardiovascular diseases include:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Cardiac amyloidosis
- Heart arrhythmias
- Cardiac tumors
- Heart valve disease
- Familial thoracic aortic aneurysm syndrome
- High cholesterol
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma)
Causes of Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases
Your body is composed of trillions of cells, and each cell contains a nucleus holding the information that makes you unique—your genes. Inherited heart conditions are caused by mutations or faults in one or more of these genes. If a parent has a faulty gene, there’s a 50% chance you could inherit it, and a 50% chance you could pass it to your children.
Symptoms of Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases
Inherited cardiovascular diseases may show various signs that are not always easy to detect. If symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden cardiac death, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Diagnosing Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases
Your doctor will conduct a physical examination, take your personal and family medical history, and ask about the timing of your symptoms. Genetic testing is often administered to help assess the risk of cardiovascular disease. Depending on the results, additional diagnostic tests may include:
- Cardiac catheterization
- CT scan
- MRI
- Echocardiogram (ECHO)
- Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)
- Stress tests
Lifestyle and Heart Health
Family history is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to heart disease. Your lifestyle plays a critical role in your heart health. Being overweight, smoking, eating a poor diet, and not exercising can negatively impact your heart, regardless of your genetic makeup. Even if you have a favorable family history, adopting unhealthy habits can increase your risk.
Lifestyle Changes to Improve Heart Health
Here are some lifestyle changes that can reduce your cardiovascular risk:
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
- Quit smoking.
- Follow a heart-healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly under your doctor’s guidance.
- Discuss weight loss options with your doctor if necessary.
- Manage stress effectively.
- Keep up with regular doctor appointments and follow-up tests.
Medications for Cardiovascular Diseases
Various medications can help manage inherited cardiovascular conditions, such as:
- Antiarrhythmic medications to control heart rhythm.
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent and treat blood clots.
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Beta-blockers to lower blood pressure.
- Calcium channel blockers to open narrowed blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
- Diuretics (water pills) to reduce fluid retention.
- Gene-modifying medications to target faulty genes and stabilize proteins.
Medical and Surgical Procedures
Depending on the severity of the inherited cardiovascular condition, some patients may require medical or surgical interventions, such as:
- Cardiac ablation for arrhythmias
- Cardioversion
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
- Heart transplantation
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
- Pacemaker implantation
- Septal myectomy
- Ventricular assist device (VAD)
While inherited cardiovascular disease can significantly increase your risk of heart-related complications, it is important to remember that lifestyle plays an equally important role. By maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, getting regular screenings, and following your doctor’s recommendations, you can manage your risk and improve your heart health. Always stay proactive when it comes to your well-being—both your genes and your lifestyle matter.
Dr. Bobish
Dr. Bobish and her team’s goal is to help you reduce your risk of heart disease. Helping you to understand your risk factors and make healthful lifestyle changes.
Remember regardless of age or current state of health it is never too late to start protecting your heart. It is also never too soon and the sooner you act the better. Follow us on Facebook to see our latest post helping to keep you heart healthy. You can also explore all our articles that offer diet and exercise tips, recipes and information on procedures and heart disease.
Dr. Bobish and her team focus on preventative care and are here to support you. Alpine Cardiology provides patients with education as well as compassionate care and treatment. We are committed to keeping you healthy and heart smart! Request an appointment at 989-448-7002