Inherited Cardiac Conditions

Genetic or inherited cardiac conditions (ICC) are heart conditions caused by changes in one or more genes. These conditions can be passed down through families and may affect:

• The heart’s electrical system
  
• The heart muscle
  
• The aorta, the body’s largest artery
  
• The body’s ability to process cholesterol
  

Some people feel completely well until something triggers symptoms. Genetic assessment helps detect risks early, guide treatment, and protect your loved ones.

At the Inherited Cardiac Conditions (ICC) service at the National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS), we provide a comprehensive, one‑stop service that includes:

• Clinical consultation and examination
  
• Review of symptoms and family history
  
• Genetic counselling
  
• Genetic testing
  
• Risk assessment
  
• Treatment planning
  
• Long‑term follow‑up and surveillance
  
• Support for family screening
  
  

We aim to provide clear, compassionate guidance at every step. Once results are ready, your doctor will explain what they mean and discuss the next steps with you.

Below are some of the conditions commonly seen in our clinic:

1.  Inherited Channelopathies
Conditions that affect the electrical or conduction system of the heart:

• Brugada syndrome
  
• Long QT syndrome
  
• Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT)
  
• Short QT syndrome
  
• Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) / Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation
  

2. Inherited Cardiomyopathies
Conditions that affect the heart muscle:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), obstructive or non‑obstructive
  
• Arrhythmogenic ventricular cardiomyopathy (AVC)
  
• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
  
• Left ventricular non‑compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC)
  
• Amyloidosis
  
• Cardiomyopathies associated with neuromuscular disorders: 
  
  • Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
  • Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD)
  • Myotonic Dystrophy

3.  Inherited Aortopathies
Conditions affecting the aorta:

• Marfan syndrome
  
• Loeys‑Dietz syndrome (LDS)
  
• Ehlers‑Danlos syndrome (EDS)
  

Genetic testing is usually offered first to the individual with the known or suspected condition. It can:

• Confirm or rule out a genetic heart condition
  
• Identify carriers (people with a gene change but no symptoms)
  
• Guide medical or treatment decisions
  
• Help family members understand their own risks
  
• Support family planning discussions
  

Testing is done using a simple blood test and may cover one or multiple conditions listed above.

You may benefit from our clinic if:

• You have been diagnosed with, or are suspected to have, an inherited cardiac condition
  
• You have family members with a known inherited heart condition
  
• You or your relatives have experienced unexplained fainting, sudden cardiac events, early‑onset heart failure, or inherited rhythm or heart muscle disorders
  

Referrals may be made by your doctor to the Inherited Cardiac Conditions (ICC) service at NUHCS. For family screening, you may obtain a polyclinic referral using a family screening letter, and your polyclinic doctor will refer you to our service.

Clinician enquiries may be directed to [email protected].

Our ICC service is supported by a dedicated multidisciplinary team:

Adj A/Prof Chester Drum
Senior Consultant

Prof Roger Foo
Senior Consultant

Dr Lim Yoke Ching
Senior Consultant

Dr Kevin Leong
Consultant

Dr Tony Li
Associate Consultant

Ms Jessica Gan
Case Management Officer

Ms Tharisini D/O Soorianarayanan
Genetic Counsellor

NUHCS Heart Clinic, National University Hospital (NUH)

Main Building, Zone F

NUHCS Heart Clinic, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH)

Tower A, Specialist Outpatient Clinics Level 3, Clinic A34

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday: 8.00am–5.30pm
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays

Contact Us

Phone: +65 6908 2222

Case Manager:)

Ms Jessica Gan
+65 6772 3285
[email protected]