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.
For the Heart of the Matter Ask the Experts series from the SADS Foundation, Dr. Michael J. Ackerman, a genetic cardiologist at Mayo Clinic, discusses the necessity of obtaining not only an AED, but also AED and CPR training. However, he stresses that this recommendation should simply be considered as a "precautionary measure", viewed in the same way as a family that keeps a fire extinguisher in their home. Dr. Ackerman also discusses the logistics of purchasing an AED and provides resources and information on how to obtain one for your family.
Have a question about a SADS condition* that you want answered? Submit it here!
**According to the SADS Foundation website, SADS conditions are defined as Brugada Syndrome, Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT), Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), Short QT Syndrome (SQTS), Timothy Syndrome and Wolff Parkinson White (WPW). Related conditions that can also cause sudden cardiac arrest in young people are malformations of the heart muscle such as a dysplasia (misplaced) or cardiomyopathy (thickening). These conditions include Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DM).
Talking to others who own and operate AEDs can relieve some stress around this topic. Check of the Heart & Blood Health group or the Heart Rhythm Conditions group to hear stories and receive support from patients and families just like you.