Genetics and Cardiovascular Disease
Many cardiovascular conditions have a genetic component; if we have a family history of a condition, then it is more likely that the same condition will develop, especially if left unmanaged.
Do you have a family history of cardiovascular disease?
How has that history impacted your lifestyle?
I remember when my maternal Grandpa died, it was his heart. He was 76. I was 49 when I had my first and second PSVTs. (Sustained pulse > 180.) Ablated on my 50th birthday, second ablation 18 months later. All was quiet for ten years, then the came back with a vengeance. But these always aborted right as I got to the ER. Diagnosed with HCM in December 2024. Did the genetic testing, and it came back negative — for now. Like my BRCA testing 13 years ago. At the time there were two mutations, now there are ??
I recently started a Camzyos, and I’m not nearly as short of breath. I also had ablation #3, and my surgeon got a Ventricular tachycardia, and they also were an ok e to trigger and ablate an atrial tachycardia.
I'm glad the Camzyos seems to be helping with your shortness of breath. Have others in your generation (siblings or cousins) had difficulty with cardiovasular disease, too? All the best, Kathy (Team member)
Given that many cardiac disorders, including cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, and excessive cholesterol, are inherited, genetics plays a key role in heart disease risk.
By affecting variables including blood pressure, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and heart muscle function through both frequent, small-effect variants and uncommon, high-impact mutations, genetics significantly contributes to the risk and development of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
My family
Hello and thanks for responding! Heart disease also runs in my family on my dad's side. The key is to let your health providers know so they can do the necessary tests and also keep an eye on your heart. For me, we found out too late that I had dilated cardiomyopathy. I wish that my doctors found it sooner that way they could've given me the treatment necessary, but that's not how it went. What type of heart disease were you diagnosed with? -Olivia
