Arrhythmias cause abnormal heart beats, and in some cases, an abnormal heartbeat can lead to serious health issues. Arrhythmias often result from existing damage to the heart, or they can occur independently of heart disease. With familial or inherited arrhythmias, abnormal heart rhythms result from genetic mutations passed down by family members.
People with familial types of arrhythmias may have one of the following health conditions:
While symptoms of familial arrhythmia vary according to the condition causing issues, symptoms often include shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and dizziness.
The cause of the arrhythmia and the health status of the patient will dictate the best treatment approach. However, people with inherited arrhythmia typically undergo one or more of the following treatments:
For people with inherited conditions that impact the health of the heart, lifetime management of arrhythmias will usually be necessary. In this case, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and attend appointments as needed to ensure your condition is well controlled.