Inherited arrhythmias: Knowledge that could save your life

Symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, fainting, heart fluttering or palpitations, seizures or unusual fatigue can be signs of an arrhythmia. Some people walk around with an arrhythmia for decades with no symptoms at all. UW Health can help determine whether you or a close relative should visit with one of our inherited arrhythmia experts.

From time to time, you may have heard about an otherwise seemingly healthy person who has a sudden cardiac arrest, sometimes resulting in death. The cause may have been a structural deformity in the heart. Inherited arrhythmias, however, are something different. They result from a genetic defect in the heart’s electrical system. Because most inherited arrhythmias affect people under 50 (including children and teenagers), our clinic includes electrophysiologists who specialize in the heart’s electrical system and they care for pediatric and adult patients.

At UW Health, our goal is to help you or a close family member recognize the signs and risk factors of an inherited arrhythmia so it can be treated early. Acting now can be a life-saving decision, which is why we’re ready to see you at any time. If you are diagnosed with an inherited arrhythmia, our genetic counselors will work with you to inform other family members so they can also be screened.

We typically begin with a thorough discussion of your family’s health history. In addition, one or more diagnostic procedures may be done to determine whether you may have an inherited arrhythmia. These include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

• Bloodwork

• A portable, wearable monitor that constantly records your heart rhythm over a few days

• Stress test

• Cardiac catheterization

• CT or MRI imagery

• Genetic testing

It makes a difference where you come for care, especially for complex conditions like heart arrhythmias. At UW Health, we’re here to provide first-rate clinical care and emotional support so you can live your best life.