6 March 2020 Author : Nuno Cardim Which are the main hereditary cardiovascular diseases? There are five major categories of cardiovascular diseases: Arrhythmic syndromes , for example Brugada syndrome, long and short QT syndromes and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia; Cardiomyopathies , for example hypertrophic, dilated, restrictive, arrhythmogenic, non compaction; Arteriopathies , for example Marfan syndrome, Ehler-Danlos syndrome; Muscular dystrophies , for example Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy; Familial hypercholesterolemia , for example Dunnigan familial lipodystrophy. Although, individually, some of these hereditary cardiovascular diseases are uncommon, on the whole they are associated, in all age groups, with important morbidity and mortality . The most frequent complications of hereditary cardiovascular diseases are: Sudden death; Cardiac insufficiency; Atrial fibrillation; Thromboembolic phenomena. Many of these problems can be avoided : If the diagnosis is made early, clinically and by genetic testing, If the follow up and treatment of patients is carried out by specialists in these diseases. The approach of hereditary cardiovascular diseases should involve the patient and their family given their genetic / hereditary character. At Hospital da Luz you can find specialists in hereditary heart diseases supported by an excellent genetic service, which, in close collaboration with clinical services, contribute decisively to the diagnosis, follow-up and appropriate treatment of these hereditary cardiovascular diseases. Meet the cardiology team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
