Inherited rhythm disorders

People who have inherited rhythm disorders (IRDs) experience irregular heartbeats, also known as arrhythmias. Once diagnosed, IRDs can be managed through treatment and medication. However, IRDs can lead to complications such as fainting and seizures.

In some cases, IRDs may also lead to sudden arrhythmia death syndrome (SADS) in people of all ages, including children and young adults who are otherwise healthy and have no medical history of a heart condition.

You may or may not experience symptoms. However, IRDs are an underlying cause for SADS. The most common warning signs for SADS are:

• Fainting or seizure during physical activity
• Fainting or seizure from emotional excitement, emotional distress, or being startled
• Family history of unexpected sudden death during physical activity or during a seizure, or any other unexplained sudden death of an otherwise healthy young person

Learn more about the symptoms of IRDs.

• Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC)
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
• Long QT syndrome
• Wolff-parkinson-white (WPW) syndrome
• Brugada syndrome (BrS)
• Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT)
• Short QT intervals (SQT)

Learn more about the types of inherited rhythm disorders.

Your doctor will review your medical history and may order the following tests:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Electrophysiology studies
• Stress test (Exercise tolerance test or ETT)
• Holter or event monitoring

Many treatment options are available, depending on what your doctor recommends.

Many patients who have no symptoms can simply be monitored, while others may need to make lifestyle changes, take medication or may require surgery.

• Canadian Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Foundation
  Learn about how the Canadian SADS Foundation's resources available to support families affected by inherited cardiac rhythm disorders.
• Heart and Stroke Foundation: Inherited rhythm disorders
  Find information on the types, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment for inherited rhythm disorders. 
• London Health Sciences Centre: Overview of inherited heart rhythm disorders
  Get more information about inherited heart rhythm disorders.