Researchers from Somerville, Mass.-based Mass General Brigham identified 21 genes associated with bradyarrhythmias, a common cardiovascular disorder often treated with pacemaker implantation, according to a study published Jan. 2 in Nature Genetics.
The study also found 13 and 31 genes associated with two major bradyarrhythmia subtypes, sinus node dysfunction and distal conduction disease, respectively, according to a Jan. 2 news release from the health system.
Bradyarrhythmia, a condition whereby the heart beats slower than it should, affects at least 1% of all adults over the age of 65, the release said.
"Our findings suggest that variations in multiple genetic pathways … are critical to the development of bradyarrhythmias," the study authors wrote.
Read the full study, including more information on the pacemaker risk score developed by researchers, here.