Genetic Heart Rhythm Diseases
Welcome to the Genetic Heart Rhythm Diseases page. The Mayo Clinic Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic, with the Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory in Rochester, MN, is dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and researching all types of genetic heart rhythm diseases that can cause sudden death.
Follow the Genetic Heart Rhythm Diseases page and stay up-to-date as we post stories, clinical trials, and useful information regarding your genetic heart rhythm condition.
Are you an athlete with a genetic heart condition that has been disqualified from sports? Do you have a child that loves playing sports, but was told they can no longer play due to their genetic heart disease? Know that there are options! After a full cardiac evaluation, careful consideration of all factors of playing competitive sports with a heart condition, and a meaningful and thorough discussion with their family and cardiologist, many athletes with genetic heart conditions are eventually cleared to play the sports that they love.
However, knowing the risks and deciding whether or not to play, or let your child play, sports can be frightening. Lots of factors need to be considered carefully, but there are plenty of resources to help you!
There are five important considerations athletes with genetic heart diseases, their families, and their physicians must consider before deciding to play competitive sports. These considerations are:
For more information, check out these videos recorded by Dr. Ackerman:
Meet other people talking about sports and genetic heart disorders on Mayo Clinic Connect. Join the Heart Rhythm Conditions group to join the conversation, share experiences, ask questions, and discover your support network.
For up-to-date information, please follow Dr. Ackerman and the Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic on Twitter by clicking the links below.