Inherited arrhythmic disorders: long QT and Brugada syndromes.

Abstract

Inherited arrhythmic disorders comprise a group of syndromes with unique genetic abnormalities and presentations but with very similar clinical outcomes and complications, the most terrifying of which are life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Advances in molecular biology have enabled us to define and pinpoint many such disorders, which were previously labeled as idiopathic, to specific genes on various chromosomes. The current trend in the management of these potentially deadly disorders is to use pharmacotherapy (antiarrhythmic agents) and defibrillators for the prevention of sudden death; however, targeted therapy at a molecular level appears to be the path of the future. Herein, we review long QT and Brugada syndromes and focus on the genetics, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations of these inherited arrhythmogenic disorders that affect patients with structurally normal hearts.