A new study conducted by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) stated that genes mutation involved in maintaining the structure of heart muscle can result in a sudden cardiac arrest.

The study revealed that mutation in the gene, Myosin Binding Protein-C (MYBPC3) can result in coronary failures, which resulted in sudden death.

Dr. Lalji Singh, Director of CCMB who conducted the study told that heart attack may be caused due to many reasons, and a few of them are also related to genetic disorders or one’s lifestyle.

The study was conducted by Singh and K Thangaraj.

Mr. Singh said, “So far, 20 genes that are implicated in cardiac disease has been identified.”

A 25-base pair deletion within the gene that generates the MYBPC protein was significantly more frequent in cardiac patients as compared to normal individuals, he said.

The mutation, a deletion of 25 letters of genetic code from the heart protein gene MYBPC3, is tested to be the cause of approximately 44% of sudden heart failures.

The latest finding brings now hope to discover gene mutation carriers at a younger age and thwart its continuation in future.

The doctor said, “Every individual has two copies of gene. In case if both are found defective, that is homozygous, then such patients die at an early age whereas if a single gene is found defective in an individual, also known as heterozygous, then they can live upto 45 years.”

The study researchers also claim that the study conducted also helps in noticing the foetus of a pregnant woman.

“If found that the foetus carried two copies of defective genes, it can be aborted after gentic counselling,” they claim.

When asked about the treatment process, Singh said the cardiac stem cells transplant can be used to increase the lifespan of the individuals.