It is no secret that heart conditions can be inherited, passed down through families and affecting the lives of many. 
Medically reviewed by Dr Rehaam Ali Khan 



Inherited heart conditions refer to any type of heart condition or disorder that is genetically passed on from one generation to the next. This can range from cardiomyopathy (diseases of the heart muscle) to long QT syndrome (a genetic disorder characterized by an abnormally prolonged electrical repolarization of the heart).

Inherited heart conditions can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. The only thing that really matters is whether someone has a family history of certain heart issues. Some common signs and symptoms associated with inherited heart diseases include chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, fainting spells and irregular heartbeat. If you think you may be at risk for having an inherited heart condition, it’s important to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have and ask about testing that could be done to confirm or rule out the possibility of an inherited condition.

In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of inherited heart conditions. In other cases, more invasive procedures like open-heart surgery may be needed. While it is not always possible to prevent inherited conditions completely, understanding your risk factors and being proactive with lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce your chances of developing complications related to inherited heart issues. 

The key takeaway here is that if you think you are at risk for having an inherited heart condition it’s important to speak up and take steps to protect yourself. Knowledge is power when it comes to managing any medical issue so make sure you’re doing all you can do stay healthy and live your best life!