Inherited cardiac conditions: examining two patient cases

Abstract

Inherited cardiac conditions are a variety of genetic conditions affecting the heart and vasculature, which can result in sudden cardiac death. Identification of patients with these conditions and subsequent cascade testing of family members is vital if the impact from these conditions is to be reduced. This article focuses on two such conditions which are among the most common: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and familial hypercholesterolaemia. The case studies illustrated detail the identification of the conditions, as well as the individual management of the two patients. The importance of cascade testing of relatives will be discussed in both cases together, with the need for dedicated clinics for managing patients with inherited cardiac conditions.