Precision Genomics Collaboratory News

Determining genetic causes for sudden cardiac death

People commonly associate heart attacks with clogged arteries, fatty diets, high cholesterol, and plaque buildup in the heart. And while all those things can cause sudden cardiac death, they are not the only culprit; gene mutations can also be to blame.

Certain genetic variants can cause irregular heart rhythms, called arrythmias, and can affect how well the heart is able to pump blood to the rest of the body. Otherwise healthy individuals with these genetic variants can fall victim to arrythmias that are often fatal.

Duke Continues to Take Extraordinary Measures to Treat Pompe Disease

Before breakthrough research at Duke led to the first FDA-approved treatment in 2006, infants diagnosed with Pompe disease rarely survived more than a year or two. Now many are growing up and thriving. Under the leadership of Priya Kishanani, MD, Duke is continuing to explore new approaches that will give life and hope to even more families.