By Robert J. Myerburg, MD
Professor of Medicine and Physiology
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
 

For more than 50 years, it had been suspected that certain cardiac disorders that clustered in families might have a genetic basis.  Then, from the 1990’s to the present, as techniques for human genetic analysis provided the tools needed to delve into these suspicions, a great deal in information has become available on the association of specific genetic variations with clinical syndromes associated with sudden death risk.  The early studies became the foundation for a more general explosion of research into the genetic basis for life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances, beginning with the genetics of long QT-Interval syndrome, and continuing to include other disorders such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, right ventricular dysplasia, Brugada syndrome, as well as other rare syndromes.  In addition, it has also been learned that risk of sudden death in more common disorders, such as coronary artery disease and common heart muscle disorders (the non-ischemic cardiomyopathies), are also likely to be influenced by genetic variations passed in families.  Finally, there is also reason to believe that the risk of being affected by common non-fatal conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, may run in some families and have a genetic basis. 

Welcome to The C.A.R.E. Foundation, your resource for cardiac arrhythmia information. We encourage you to check back often for the latest news and frequently updated information. Thanks for your interest and continued support!

The C.A.R.E. Mission: To formulate, promote and lead initiatives to prevent sudden cardiac death due to acquired and heritable heart rhythm disorders by:

• Advocating increased support for comprehensive scientific research and clinical trials.
• Educating patients, the public and healthcare professionals to increase awareness.
• Advancing strategies to identify, protect and support at-risk individuals and their families.