Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease
What is genetic heart disease?
An inherited cardiac disease happens when a disease-causing change in the DNA (variant) is passed down from a parent’s DNA to their children. Disease-causing genetic variants can cause problems with the heart’s structure or function.
If you and your family are at risk for inherited heart disease, it’s important that close relatives get tested. Evaluation at the Penn Medicine Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease can identify which family members are affected and each person’s risk for heart problems in the future.
Genetic heart conditions we treat
- Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol)
- Inherited cardiomyopathy
- Marfan syndrome
Advanced care for inherited heart disorders
Inherited heart disease can be difficult to detect and diagnose. The symptoms often look like those of other health problems. Our team includes highly trained and skilled physicians, nurses, and genetic counselors with specialized training and years of experience. They spot the signs of inherited cardiac disease that may be too subtle for other doctors to identify.
We use advanced genetic testing to look for changes in genes that can cause heart disease in families. These tests help us determine who may develop a disease or pass it down.
We use state-of-the-art technology to look at the structure and function of your heart. We can often identify the effects of inherited cardiac disease even before you have symptoms. A thorough understanding of how the condition affects you helps us develop a customized treatment plan.
Our team develops a plan to monitor your heart over time, so we catch problems before they cause symptoms or complications. We’ll follow you and multiple generations of your family for early signs of disease.
All of our physicians and nurses specialize in inherited heart conditions. Patients travel to Penn Medicine from all over the United States to meet with our expert team.
Inherited heart disease treatment at Penn Medicine
No matter the type or stage of inherited cardiac disease you have, we’re here to help. If your condition isn’t currently causing problems, your provider may recommend watchful waiting, with regular checkups and imaging. These visits allow doctors to detect any heart changes early when they’re most treatable. You may also need medications to help your heart function better, prevent blood clots, or regulate an irregular heartbeat.
Additional treatment may be recommended to reduce symptoms and help you live a longer, fuller life.
Exercising with inherited cardiac disease
Exercise is good for our health. But if you have a familial heart condition, you may have been told the safe option is to avoid exercise because of concerns that it could trigger abnormal heart rhythms. However, new guidance from leading national organizations encourages people with inherited heart conditions to be active with certain precautions.
Our team works closely with you to understand your personal goals. We listen to your needs and preferences regarding exercise. We’ll give you evidence and information about physical activity and heart disease and partner with you to make informed decisions about sports and activity.
Depending on your cardiac condition and the types of activities you participate in, we may recommend a few important precautions like developing an emergency action plan and sharing it with coaches, trainers, and other key people. Additionally, undergoing regular testing, at least annually, is advised to fully understand your risk of a cardiac event.
Pregnancy care for inherited cardiac disease
If you have inherited heart disease, it’s natural to think about how it might affect your pregnancy or your children. We collaborate with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to offer a special program for pediatric patients affected by familial heart disease. Ours is the only program in the area that specializes in inherited heart conditions.
Our genetic counselors and physicians will take time to talk with you about:
- The chances your baby might inherit heart disease
- Medications you’re taking and whether they’re safe during pregnancy
- Safe options for pain relief during labor and delivery
- Prenatal testing to determine whether your baby’s heart is healthy
- Options for in vitro fertilization (IVF) if your disease makes conceiving naturally difficult
- Treatments prevent natural conception
- Any questions you might have
We follow our patients carefully through pregnancy and consult with their obstetricians to help ensure safe delivery.
Genetic counseling for inherited cardiovascular disease
At Penn Medicine, we offer advanced genetic testing to assess your family’s risk for inherited heart disease. Our specialized physicians and counselors provide education and guidance, helping you and your loved ones take control of your heart health.
Duchenne and Becker Carrier Clinic
Our clinic is dedicated to caring for patients with muscle disorders caused by gene mutations. We provide multidisciplinary care for people assigned female at birth suspected or diagnosed as carriers of Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy.
Familial Cardiomyopathy Program
Cardiomyopathy is an inherited condition that weakens the heart muscle, affecting its ability to pump blood and potentially leading to serious complications. Our specialists assess at-risk individuals and develop personalized treatment plans.
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