Familial Screening for Cardiomyopathies and Arrhythmias

Cardiomyopathies and Heritable arrhythmias are common diagnoses in Cardiology. We discuss the different forms of cardiomyopathy and the most common heritable arrhythmias as well as the methods and timing of screening for potentially at-risk family members.

Genetic discovery continues to drive the field of cardiology in cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias. Genotype can impact medical management recommendations but is not always straightforward in its interpretation.

Medical knowledge regarding cardiomyopathies continues to evolve. Molecular testing is an increasingly important part of medical care for individuals and their families. Regardless of whether a genetic etiology can be identified in the proband, screening of at-risk family members remains an important part of comprehensive medical care given the current limitations of genetic testing in cardiomyopathies.