Heart Specialist Debunks Myths about Inherited Heart Disease

Introduction

People with a family history of heart conditions have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease. Just as genes define our outer appearance, they also influence the condition of our heart and cardiovascular system.

Many inherited conditions fall into the following categories:
Irregular heartbeat
Problems with the heart muscle
High cholesterol levels that can increase the risk of coronary artery disease
Apart from these categories, other inherited heart conditions include Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and familial amyloidosis.

For some, discovering an inherited cardiac disease can stimulate concern or confusion. The reason for some of these confusions is the ongoing misconceptions that plague the communication surrounding inherited cardiac disease. Therefore, Medithics’ heart specialist addresses some of the most common misconceptions about the inherited cardiac disease in the following section.

Myth 1: Genetics Are More Important Than Lifestyle

It is true that many types of heart conditions can pass genetically from parent to child. Still, lifestyle habits can also play a role.

For instance, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a disease that causes the heart muscle to thicken and turn stiff, can be managed with lifestyle changes. Maintaining healthy body weight and eating a heart-healthy diet can significantly improve this condition.

Therefore, it is essential for all individuals with inherited conditions to live a heart-healthy lifestyle. Getting proper rest, exercising regularly, and following a balanced diet can reduce the likelihood of developing a severe heart condition.

Myth 2: Lifestyle More Important Than Genetics for Those With Inherited Heart Disease

According to a heart doctor in Kolkata, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential to reduce heart disease risk; however, periodic testing and treatments are also necessary for individuals with inherited cardiac diseases.

Testing helps diagnose developing conditions at the right time and make treatments more effective.

Myth 3: Inherited Cardiac Diseases Cause Noticeable Symptoms

Most of the inherited cardiac conditions cause noticeable symptoms, but not all. Some of the symptoms include -

Shortness of breath and chest pain, especially while performing physically demanding acts
Heart palpitations
Dizziness or fainting

The symptoms may vary depending on the condition and from person to person. Some of these symptoms may be subtle for one person and more pronounced for someone else – even for the same condition that runs the same family. Consult a cardiologist in Kolkata to understand the symptoms to watch out for.

Myth 4: Inherited Cardiac Diseases Skips a Generation

Genetic conditions can seem like “skipping” a generation if an individual in a family suffers from a genetic condition but does not realize it or do not have symptoms.

According to cardiologists, genetic conditions can impact everyone in a family. Therefore, everyone needs to visit a doctor and evaluate themselves when anyone in their family is diagnosed with an inherited cardiac disease.

Consult Medithics Clinic’s best cardiologists and heart specialists in Kolkata; if you have a family history of any heart disease or are suffering from any symptoms of heart conditions.