By Olivia Schofield
Spreading awareness of rare heart diseases is crucial, as it enables individuals and their families to understand if they are suffering from an uncommon heart condition. A rare disease is classed as a condition which affects fewer than one in 2,000 people. Currently it is estimated there are over 7,000 rare diseases, with new conditions continually being identified as research advances. So, to highlight the importance of Rare Disease Day, we have broken down five rare heart diseases.
1. Long QT Syndrome (LQTS)
What is Long QT Syndrome (LQTS)?
Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) affects how your heart beats, which can either be inherited from your parents or caused by certain medications. Your heartbeat is controlled by an electrical system, and between each beat, this system needs to recharge. In LQTS the system takes a longer time to recharge which can increase the risk of the heart going into an abnormal, potentially dangerous, rhythm.
2. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)
What is hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)?
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a rare type of congenital heart disease, where the left side of the heart doesn’t develop properly and is too small, resulting in not enough oxygenated blood getting through to the body. A series of complex heart operations is needed, starting soon after birth, which can improve quality of life and longer-term survival.
3. Brugada syndrome
What is Brugada syndrome?
Brugada syndrome is an inherited syndrome that impacts the way electrical signals pass through the heart. It can cause a very high heart rate, which if not addressed can lead to cardiac arrest. Though there is no cure for Brugada, its symptoms can be managed through medications and even the implantation of an internal defibrillator if the risk to life is significant.
4. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection
What is spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)?
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) occurs when the inner layer of a coronary artery, one of the blood vessels that provides blood to the heart, tears away from the outer layer. This causes a restriction in the blood flow to the heart and can therefore cause a heart attack. SCAD is most common in women under 50 and is the leading cause of heart attacks associated with pregnancy.
5. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
What is restrictive cardiomyopathy?
Restrictive Cardiomyopathy is the rarest form of cardiomyopathy, a group of conditions which affect the heart muscle, meaning it cannot effectively pump blood around the body. This often leads to heart failure. In restrictive cardiomyopathy, the walls of the heart chambers become rigid and prevent proper filling. It is mostly diagnosed in children and is thought to be inherited in some cases.
To find out more about heart diseases visit: https://heartresearch.org.uk/your-heart/
If you have any concerns regarding your health, please speak to your doctor. You can call NHS 111 for non-urgent medical enquiries or call 999 for urgent, emergency medical attention. The content of this website is for education and information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.
