Inherited arrhythmias

Arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) are often not a cause for concern. But hereditary arrhythmias are different. These heart rhythm issues run in families. They tend to be more severe and raise the risk of life-threatening complications, including heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest.

Arrhythmias are a group of conditions that cause an abnormal heart rhythm. The heart may beat abnormally fast or slow due to problems with the heart’s electrical system. In many cases, blood does not move through the heart efficiently, causing less blood to get pumped out to the body.

Specialists at the Advocate Heart Institute offer hope for healing. The Heart Rhythm Care Program is a nationally recognized arrhythmia center of excellence. Board-certified heart rhythm specialists (electrophysiologists) deliver trusted care for most complex disorders.

Types of inherited arrhythmias

There are many types of inherited arrhythmias, some of which include:

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia: Fatty tissue replaces heart muscle disrupting electrical signals that regulate heartbeat.

Brugada syndrome: The heart’s lower chambers (ventricles) beat quickly and irregularly preventing blood from circulating.

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia: Physical activity or emotional distress trigger an abnormally fast heartbeat.

Long QT syndrome: An abnormal pause in the timing of your heartbeat causes a rapid and irregular heart rate.

Short QT syndrome: Unusually short pause in the timing of your heartbeat prevents the heart’s electrical impulses from recharging between beats.

Wolff-Parkinson White syndrome: An abnormal electrical pathway between the heart’s upper and lower chambers causes episodes of rapid heartbeats.

Symptoms of inherited arrhythmias

Inherited arrhythmias cause a broad range of symptoms, such as:

Cardiac arrest, which occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating
Chest pain
Dizziness
Fainting due to a drop in blood pressure or heart rate (syncope)
Heart fluttering or pounding (palpitations)
Seizures
Unusual tiredness

Causes of inherited arrhythmias

Inherited arrhythmias occur due to gene mutations. Having a gene mutation responsible for inherited arrhythmias raises your risk of having one. But not everyone with the mutation experiences them. The best way to learn about your risk is through genetic testing.

Diagnosing arrhythmias

The primary test for diagnosing arrhythmias is an electrocardiogram (EKG). This test records the heart’s electrical activity. Get more information about heart and vascular testing and diagnosis.

Sometimes it’s necessary to perform additional tests to learn more about the arrhythmia or its cause. These include:

Cardiac catheterization: This procedure uses thin tubes (catheters) with sophisticated tools at the tip to evaluate heart structures and functioning. Learn more about cardiac catheterization.

Electrophysiology study: This advanced test helps doctors pinpoint the source of an arrhythmia and determine which treatment is best.

Holter event monitor: This portable device, similar to an EKG, records heart activity for up to 48 hours.

Implantable loop recorder: This device goes under the skin of your chest. It records heart rhythms for up to three years.

Stress test: Doctors evaluate the heart’s electrical activity while you perform light physical activity, like walking on a treadmill.

Treating arrhythmias

The goal of arrhythmia treatment is to establish a regular heart rhythm and help your body maintain it.

Arrhythmia treatments we offer include:

Cardiac ablation: We deliver focused beams of warm energy to destroy the arrhythmia-causing abnormal tissue.
Cardioversion: We send electrical shocks to the heart to correct severe, abnormal rhythms.
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): This small implantable device senses and treats abnormal rhythms.
Left atrial appendage closure: We use this procedure to help people with atrial fibrillation avoid dangerous blood clots.
Pacemaker: A small electronic device generates electrical signals that maintain a healthy rhythm.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy: We use a specific type of pacemaker and sometimes an implantable defibrillator to return the heart to a normal rhythm.