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The role of genetics in cardiovascular disease: arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy
Cynthia A James1, Petros Syrris2, J Peter van Tintelen3
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Carnegie 568D, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287-0409, USA.
Insights
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited heart condition. Genetic factors and environmental exposures like exercise contribute to disease risk, guiding better family care and genetic testing.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a heritable heart muscle disease.
- It leads to ventricular arrhythmias, dysfunction, and sudden cardiac death risk, especially in young individuals and athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms of ACM.
- To discuss a threshold model for ACM inheritance.
- To outline genetics-informed clinical care strategies for ACM families.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current ACM research.
- Analysis of genetic architecture and pathogenic mechanisms.
- Discussion of clinical genetics integration and genotype utility.
Main Results:
- ACM pathogenesis involves complex genetic factors and environmental influences.
- A multifactorial threshold model explains disease expression.
- Genotype information is crucial for ACM management and family screening.
Conclusions:
- Understanding ACM genetics is key to improving patient care.
- Genotype-guided management and predictive testing enhance family support.
- Integrating genetic discoveries advances ACM research and clinical practice.
Abstract:
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a heritable cardiomyopathy characterized by frequent ventricular arrhythmias and progressive ventricular dysfunction. Risk of sudden cardiac death is elevated in ACM patients and can be the presenting symptom particularly in younger individuals and athletes. This review describes current understanding of the genetic architecture of ACM and molecular mechanisms of ACM pathogenesis. We consider an emerging threshold model for ACM inheritance in which multiple factors including pathogenic variants in known ACM genes, genetic modifiers, and environmental exposures, particularly exercise, are required to reach a threshold for disease expression. We also review best practices for integrating genetics-including recent discoveries-in caring for ACM families and emphasize the utility of genotype for both management of affected individuals and predictive testing in family members.
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