Muscular dystrophy campaign Thursday January 7, 2010Analysing the DNA of individuals with becker muscular dystrophy could be used to predict when they will begin to develop heart problems, US researchers report. Depending on the kind of mutation an individual carries in the dystrophin gene, the age at which they are likely to develop heart problems can vary from mid-20's to mid- 40's, the researchers found. If these findings are borne out in further research, clinicians may be able to identify people at high risk of developing heart problems and prescribe them cardioprotective drugs in good time, before the symptoms of heart problems become apparent. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175950.php
Is there a correlation between heart problems and muscle weakness in BMD? And is it recommended that somebody with BMD, once they get to that age range (around 18 to 20) to potentially develop heart problems get screened at least once a year or every six months?
http://www.parentprojectmd.org/site/DocServer/Aug_09_Circulation_DMD_ACEinh_beta_blocker_Jefferies_200.pdf?docID=7681
some more information
Hi there, i've made two attempts to type out this paper I found on heart issues in BMD & their mutation type.. Twice it did not summit for me!!! Anyway, I think everyone that has been diagnosed with BMD should have their hearts checked once a year as soon as their diagnosed.. heart issues can begin very early on. Even children with bmd can have heart issues. I will try copy of paste the paper here later...
here it is...http://www.muscular-dystrophy.org/research/news/1780_research_could_predict_age_of_onset_of_heart_problems_in_becker_muscular_dystrophy
So it would be beneficial to know the mutation that is causing the BMD? Patients should find out what their mutation is?
yes, it's important now more than ever to find out your mutation. If your friend doesn't know his mutation he should find out. It's also safe to say, BMD patients may also have heart issues before any other muscle weakness. Some BMD patients will only have heart issues with no other muscle weakness. 70% of BMD patients will have heart issues at some point in their lives. I don't like that percentage, but it is what it is. I can't change that...
Yeah, I've read things on that too... but what about the other 30%? Do they just not have cardiac involvement at all?
yes, that's right...there are those few LUCKY ones who do not have any heart issues at all... I've heard of people with BMD who has lived til they are 80 who had no heart issues. My hope is stem cells will come on the sene in the next few years or so.. I've read researchers are making great progess with stem cells & heart failure.
