Heart Problems You Can Pass to Your Children

Certain types of heart conditions carry a genetic predisposition. This means that parents can pass them on to their children. The cardiology team at Carolina Heart & Leg Center are experts in identifying and managing these conditions to keep your child healthy. 

Inherited heart problems in children don’t just encompass the genetic predisposition to issues like high blood pressure but include a range of cardiovascular diseases. Early detection is the first step toward safeguarding your child’s heart health.

What are inherited heart conditions?

There’s a genetic component to certain issues that affect the heart. The parent may not even be aware that they have the disease in certain situations. While many hereditary heart problems are asymptomatic, some may be life-threatening.

Our Carolina Heart & Leg Center cardiologists have extensive experience diagnosing and treating children with inherited heart conditions, including: 

• Arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms)
• Familial hypercholesterolemia
• Congenital heart defects
• Cardiomyopathy 

Our experts can also diagnose and manage heart issues related to genetic conditions such as Marfan syndrome. 

Congenital heart defects

One of the most direct ways heart problems can be passed down is through congenital heart defects. These are abnormalities in the structure of the heart that are present at birth, affecting the walls of the heart, the heart valves, and the arteries and veins near the heart. 

These defects can result from genes inherited from a parent, changes in chromosomes, a combination of genes, and other factors, such as environmental exposures or maternal health conditions. 

Genetic arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are disorders of heart rhythm that can be harmless or life-threatening. Some arrhythmias, like long QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome, are hereditary. 

These conditions can lead to sudden, unexpected heart failure in seemingly healthy individuals. Genetic testing can identify these risks early on, and treatments may include medications, lifestyle adjustments, or implantable devices to maintain heart rhythm.

Familial hypercholesterolemia

Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disorder characterized by high cholesterol levels, particularly very high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as "bad" cholesterol. It increases the risk of developing early heart disease. 

This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, meaning if one parent has the gene, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. Awareness and management from a young age can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. It’s a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. 

It is mostly inherited through a parent with a 50% chance of passing the mutated gene to their child. Early diagnosis through genetic screening and regular monitoring can manage symptoms and reduce risks.

Marfan syndrome

Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue. It can lead to heart problems such as aortic enlargement and mitral valve prolapse. 

While Marfan syndrome affects multiple parts of the body, heart-related issues are among the most serious. Regular checkups can catch and manage heart issues early in individuals with Marfan syndrome.

Diagnosing inherited heart conditions

A pregnancy ultrasound can detect an inherited heart condition that develops before birth. Other tests we use to diagnose genetic heart conditions include: 

• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• MRI
• Blood work

Treatment depends on the type of heart condition your child has inherited and its severity. Some conditions don’t require treatment. For instance, certain heart defects in children improve on their own.

If you’re aware of heart disease in your family, our team can provide guidance on early screening and preventive measures. Contact our Carolina Heart & Leg Center team today to request a visit.