Question:

Is myocardial bridging hereditary?

Is myocardial bridging hereditary?

My husband has myocardial bridging and has for years had blood pressures that have been out of control. At age 15 my son, who is now 18, was diagnosed with hypertension and our 17 year old daughter is now having BP issues. Is myocardial bridging hereditary? And if so, how can I get a doctor to listen to me to do tests on my kids to see if they have it as well.

Submitted by Sondra from Fayetteville, North Carolina on 11/02/2013

Dear Sondra: Myocardial bridging is present in 10 to 15% of autopsies. It is more frequent when the cardiac muscle is thick (like in hypertension). It is usually benign and as far as I know, not hereditary. Consult with your doctor about getting blood pressures under control – an important factor in everyone’s health.