Inherited heart disorders

The Heart Centre at Providence Health Care looks after patients with many different kinds of inherited heart disorders. Inherited heart disorders are heart problems that can be passed down from parents to children. 

Some common ones include:

These are just a few examples of inherited heart problems. It's important for people with a family history of heart disease to get tested early so they can manage any issues and stay healthy.

Inherited heart defects can be diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging tests, and genetic testing.

To start, your health care provider will take a detailed medical history and do a physical exam. The physical exam is to check for signs of heart issues, such as abnormal heart sounds, murmurs, or irregular heartbeats.

Some people might need genetic testing if their family has a history of heart problems or if they have certain heart conditions. Genetic testing checks a person's DNA to find specific gene changes linked to inherited heart defects. Before and after the test, people often get genetic counselling to understand what the results mean and to decide what to do next about their health.

Other possible tests include:

Once you are diagnosed, the Providence team, along with your primary care provider, can develop a personalized treatment plan. It will be tailored your specific condition, symptoms, and overall health status. This may include medication, lifestyle modifications, cardiac procedures, or surgery, depending on the nature and severity of the inherited heart defect. Regular follow-up care and monitoring are essential for managing inherited heart disorders effectively.

Because there are many different kinds of inherited heart disorders that a person can be born with or develop over time, the treatment you receive can vary depending on severity of your condition. Some people just need to go for regular check-ups. Others might need more frequent monitoring and treatment including surgeries.

Clinics that treat inherited heart disorders

Providence Health Care has several major clinics at St. Paul’s Hospital to care for adults with different kinds of inherited heart disorders. Talk with your primary care provider if you think you require a referral to one of these clinics.

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.

Advances in heart-related treatments are all thanks to medical research. While participating in research is a decision you should make for yourself in consultation with your care team, there is much activity in this area so please ask us about our research programs if you’re interested.

By taking part in research, you can help us all learn more about inherited heart diseases and find better ways to help people like you live and thrive with the condition. While you cannot assume benefit to yourself, your participation can make a difference in improving care for future patients.

The following clinical trials are currently enrolling volunteers. Please ask your care team for more information or contact the research team listed on each study or trial. For other information about research at Providence Health Care, please visit Providence Research.

St. Paul’s Hospital is the lifeline for British Columbians living with heart disease: we are the provincial referral centre for BC and Yukon’s most complex cardiac cases. We appreciate your support.

St. Paul's Foundation