Genetics of sudden cardiac death

Abstract

Advances in genetic testing technology have led to a proliferation of new genetic tests and accelerated developments in the field of cardiovascular genetic medicine. These advances enhance presymptomatic diagnosis and can establish a definitive molecular diagnosis for symptomatic patients at risk for sudden cardiac death. Most importantly, genotype-phenotype correlations can add important information for predicting outcome and selecting treatment for patients with inherited arrhythmic disorders. This paper reviews the current data regarding genotype-phenotype correlations and the role of clinical genetic testing in diagnosis, prognosis, and management of inheritable disorders leading to sudden cardiac death.