The Genetics of Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure
The Genetics of Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure
The purpose of this study is to determine the genetic basis of cardiomyopathies and heart
 failure.
The purpose of this research study is to explore the causes and inheritances of
 cardiomyopathies. Cardiomyopathies are serious medical conditions that result in a wide range
 of cardiac problems, from no symptoms at all to heart failure. The underlying genetics of
 cardiomyopathies are poorly understood. This study will collect personal, family, and medical
 history information to create a database of participants with cardiomyopathies. This
 information will be used to identify inheritance patterns within families with
 cardiomyopathies. In addition, samples from participants will be studied in the lab to see if
 any changes in their genetic information can be identified that would cause a cardiomyopathy.
 Overall, the research study is aimed at determining the cause of these cardiac conditions so
 that tests and treatments might be developed in the future.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Individuals with a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy

 -  Family members of individuals with a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy

 -  Individuals with a nuclear mutation shown to confer risk of cardiomyopathy but who do
 not themselves have cardiomyopathy

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Individuals who do not have cardiomyopathy, a relative with cardiomyopathy, or a
 nuclear mutation predisposing to cardiomyopathy