Genetic Analysis of Heart Channelopathies in Brazilian Patients and Their Relatives

several genes have been associated with ion channel diseases, but a large number of families do not yet have an identified genetic cause. There is a lack of information on the genetic characteristics of channelopathies in Brazilians affected by these diseases. This study aims to carry out a comprehensive genetic analysis of cardiac channelopathies in Brazilian patients and their families. The study will involve 20 patients and 80 family members (a total of 100 individuals) accompanied by the Rede D'Or arrhythmia group in Rio de Janeiro. Individuals will be recruited and subjected to DNA sequencing and phenotypic evaluation, including clinical evaluation, echocardiography, 24-hour Holter or longer electrocardiographic monitoring. An integrated analysis of phenotype-genotype will be made in all individuals included in the study. Patients and their families will be followed up annually for 2 to 5 years through clinical evaluations and the same complementary methods described. The DNA sequencing of patients and their families may contribute to improve the diagnosis of channelopathies and allow the determination of the pattern of occurrence of the disease in the cases involved. Besides, this study may lead to the discovery of new genetic variants associated with channelopathies that will serve as a basis for designing and carrying out broader molecular epidemiological studies. The study of the molecular genetics of channelopathies is important mainly so that patients can avoid sudden death, but also for the medical community, researchers, laboratories, companies involved in the production of medical devices, and public health authorities