The researchers say they found the variations in the gene NOS1AP increase the risk of cardiac symptoms and sudden death in patients who have an inherited cardiac disease called congenital long-QT syndrome. That condition -- "QT" refers to a time measure on an electrocardiogram that's longer than normal in patients with the syndrome -- makes patients susceptible to potentially fatal disorders of heart rhythm, scientists said.
The findings are expected to help in assessing the risk of sudden death, as well as assigning therapy, in patients, said Dr. Alfred George Jr., senior author of the study and director of the Division of Genetic Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
"What we're hoping is that NOS1AP genetic testing in mutation carriers who are asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic could tip the balance toward being more aggressive in treating them or perhaps backing off and watching them for a little longer," George said.
The study is reported in the journal Circulation.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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