The genetics of sudden cardiac death.

ABSTRACT: Sudden cardiac death (SCD), a sudden pulseless condition due to cardiac arrhythmia, remains a major public health problem despite recent progress in the treatment and prevention of overall coronary heart disease. In this review, we examine the evidence for genetic susceptibility to SCD in order to provide biological insight into the pathogenesis of this devastating disease and to explore the potential for genetics to impact clinical management of SCD risk. Both candidate gene approaches and unbiased genome-wide scans have identified novel biological pathways contributing to SCD risk. Although risk stratification in the general population remains an elusive goal, several studies point to the potential utility of these common genetic variants in high-risk individuals. Finally, we highlight n

SUBMITTER: Arking DE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3501725 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature