Inherited Cardiac Conditions (ICC)

Posted on by Ankush Sharma

Inherited Cardiac Conditions are a term given to the broad variety of genetic diseases or disorders related to the heart.

Everybody loves to talk about the good traits that they inherit from their parents or grandparents. However, when it comes to diseases, we tend to assume that it is caused by the kind of lifestyle we live, and though that may at times be true, there are times that it is a genetic disorder passed down from our ancestors.

Many cardiac disorders can be inherited. We have arrhythmia, high blood cholesterol, congenital heart disease, cardiac tumor, and cardiomyopathy. Other genetic heart disorders that may be inherited are coronary artery disease that leads to heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.

How Do We Inherit Heart Diseases?

Genes control every aspect of the cardiovascular system. The human body is made up of trillions of cells each containing a nucleus which in turn consists of information. This information is the genes that make us unique. In general, we have about 20,000 to 25,000 genes. A mutation or variation in one or more genes can lead to the development of heart diseases. Therefore, if one parent has a mutated gene, then there is a 50:50 chance that his or her next of kin might inherit it too.

What Are The Symptoms Of ICC?

A person suffering from any type of Inherited heart condition may not experience any signs or symptoms. Unfortunately, this means that the family members may come to be aware of the condition only after a Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD). In some cases, if the symptoms do appear, then it may include the following:

  • Heart palpitations
  • Chest pains
  • Shortness of breath
  • Blackouts or fainting
  • Fatigue

Treatment of ICC

Several treatments may help you in preventing or managing your heart conditions. You should keep in mind that different conditions require different therapy and treatments.

Changing your lifestyle

If our body is weak then we become susceptible to any kind of disease. Therefore, the first and foremost priority in treating any condition is to keep our bodies healthy. This can be done by

  • Rejecting alcohol and smoking
  • Eating a heart-healthy diet
  • Managing your weight
  • Exercising daily
  • Finding healthy ways to cope up with stress
  • Making appointments with your doctor and going in for routine check-ups.

Medical or Surgical Procedures

As stated above, for different heart conditions, there are specified treatments and procedures. Some of them are:

If you or any member of your family require treatment regarding heart conditions, then head on to Hyderabad and ask for Dr Gokhale.

Regarded as the best heart surgeon in Hyderabad and the best cardiothoracic surgeon in India, Dr Gokhale is a reputed doctor who has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shree Award for his untiring efforts and contributions in the field of medicine. Get an appointment with him and he will try his best to help you.