Heart : official journal of the British Cardiac Society
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The underlying aetiology of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome is predominantly inherited cardiac disease, and 'channelopathies' (cardiac ion channel disease) are the most common detectable cause of death. This heterogeneous group includes Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. ⋯ The understanding of cardiac ion channel disease has been revolutionised by genetics. At present, genotype contributes to risk stratification in Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, and the future promises management tailored to the genetic diagnosis.