I have Mobitz Type 2 - should my children be checked for same?

[Bab643]

Hi - I was diagnosed with Mobitz Type 2 heart block in the summer and had pacemaker fitted. I have since found out that my father's cousin also has a pacemaker. Another of his cousins died suddenly age 19. My father is currently undergoing tests for similar symptoms.

Should I be asking for my children to have some kind of tests or monitoring? I wondered if anyone else has precautionary family tests. I'm 53, sons are 20 and 21 .

Many thanks

[Alixia]

hello,

You can ask your cardiologist for genetic testing. I have an inherited heart condition called LMNA cardiomyopathy. We had a few sudden deaths in our family at a relatively young age (30s to 50s).

My cousin was the first to be diagnosed, then all blood relatives were invited to have a genetic test to see if they also have the faulty LMNA gene. The genetic testing picked up the gene in 3 other relatives, and we now all have ICDs fitted to prevent sudden cardiac death and to help with our symptoms (heart block).

Your local hospital may have an inherited cardiac conditions clinic. Google ‘inherited cardiac conditions clinic’ and your local town/city to see if there is one near to you and you may be able to self refer to the clinic, or ask your GP to refer you to the clinic.

[Bab643 in reply to Alixia]

Thank you - this is really helpful. I'll have a look into it.

[EMBoy]

Hi,

I also have Mobitz type 2 and a pacemaker and, over the last few years, have done quite a bit of reading about the condition, and think that mine is possibly due to a combination of smoking and a generally unhealthy lifestyle, and/or an autoimmune thyroid disorder that I have.

If you look on the internet, you will find several possible causes for heart block, but they never mention whether it can be inherited, although some people are born with it.

I don't know if a genetic test exists for Mobitz type 2, but you could discuss it with your cardiologist or ring the BHF helpline and talk to one of the nurses. A simple ECG for your sons might put your mind at rest.

Even if your sons are susceptible to Mobitz type 2, it's good to know that it can be treated - thank goodness for modern technology.

[Bab643 in reply to EMBoy]

Yes, thank goodness for pacemakers! I'll give BHF a call as well. Thank you.