Can heart conditions be inherited?
Some heart conditions can run in families, including structural heart disease, rhythm disorders, and valve abnormalities. In this video, Dr Ravi Assomull explains which cardiac conditions may be inherited and when family screening is recommended.
Learn more about Internal risk factors or book a consultation with Dr Assomull – no GP referral needed, appointments typically within one working day.
Transcript
A small number of cardiac conditions can indeed be inherited. These may include structural problems with the heart, a condition called a cardiomyopathy or heart muscle disease. There are also certain heart rhythm disorders that can be inherited.
Finally, there is the possibility of a bicuspid aortic valve being inherited. Typically, a person with a bicuspid aortic valve, which is a valve that is structurally abnormal, has a 10% chance of passing this on to first-degree relatives.
