The Impact of Genetics on the Diagnosis and Prescription of Treatment for the Patient in the Case Scenario

The Impact of Genetics on the Diagnosis and Prescription of Treatment for the Patient in the Case Scenario

From the above case scenario, the patient’s family history was described as having no risks for premature cardiac death. Genetics execute a notable role in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. Inherited genetic alteration increases the risk of an individual getting cardiac diseases, including cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias, and unexpected cardiac death (Scrocco et al., 2021). A comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s family history, including any cardiac-related death, should have been promised. From the case scenario, the patient presented a murmur during the sport participation examination, which should give rise to more evaluation of cardiac involving electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. In addition, a genetic test may also be essential in some cases to identify any underlying genetic alteration contributing to the cardiac condition, and identification of a genetic alteration can impact the prescription of treatment for the patient. Some genetic alterations can be managed through medication and modification of lifestyle, reducing the risk of unexpected cardiac death, and to an extent, a genetic test would be appropriate for the family members to ascertain individuals at risk for cardiac disease providing necessary screening and treatment (Al-Khatib et al., 2018). Genetics can also execute an essential role in diagnosing and treating cardiac alterations, where a comprehensive evaluation of family history and possibly genetic testing may be promising for the patient in the above case scenario, preventing calamitous results like cardiac death.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular alteration is the change in the regular performance of the heart and the blood vessels leading to numerous health conditions, extending from permissive to extreme, affecting people of all ages. In cases of unexpected cardiac death, a comprehensive interrogation should be conducted to distinguish the cause and the contributing factors, where factors like genetics can significantly impact the diagnosis and prescription of treatment for the patient and should be considered to make a perfect diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment. A multidisciplinary approach involving medical professionals, patients, and their family members can help minimize the risk of cardiovascular complications hence promoting better results.

References

Al-Khatib, S. M., Stevenson, W. G., Ackerman, M. J., Bryant, W. J., Callans, D. J., Curtis, A. B., … & Page, R. L. (2018). 2017 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 72(14), e91-e220.