Clinical & Experimental Cardiology
Open Access

Abstract

Genomic Causes of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Akhil Kher*, Robert Griffith and Michael Murray

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a sudden and unexpected pulseless condition that typically arises from an arrhythmia. There are several bases for SCA including structural and nonstructural causes, occlusive coronary diseases, aortic diseases and other non-genomic factors. Genomics is the study of the function and interactions of the DNA in a genome. Over the past few years there has been a significant increase in what we know about the human genome and technologies based around studying the entire genome. Clinical genome and exome sequencing is currently allowing us to analyze, effectively treat, and manage patients with some of the most elusive causes of SCA. The purpose of this article is to review and outline the genomic bases, clinical presentations, family member implications, and the role of genetic counseling for some of the disorders that predispose individuals for SCA.