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Genetics Library / Conditions / Familial atrial fibrillation

CONDITION REFERENCE

Familial atrial fibrillation

Information from MedlinePlus Genetics about this condition and how it can be inherited.

About this condition

Familial atrial fibrillation is an inherited abnormality of the heart's normal rhythm. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by episodes of uncoordinated electrical activity (fibrillation) in the heart's upper chambers (the atria), which cause a fast and irregular heartbeat. If untreated, this abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) can lead to dizziness, chest pain, a sensation of fluttering or pounding in the chest (palpitations), shortness of breath, or fainting (syncope). Atrial fibrillation also increases the risk of stroke and sudden death. Complications of atrial fibrillation can occur at any age, although some people with this heart condition never experience any health problems associated with the disorder.

Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Source publication: 2020-08-18. Source review: 2017-10.

Inheritance

  • Autosomal dominant

A condition can have several forms with different inheritance patterns. Each pattern may apply to a different gene or form of the condition.

Related genes

MedlinePlus lists these genes for this condition. Open a gene page to read any available ClinGen reviews and ClinVar records.

  • LMNAlamin A/C
  • KCNQ1potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1
  • KCNH2potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 2
  • SCN5Asodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 5
  • KCNJ2potassium inwardly rectifying channel subfamily J member 2
  • PRKAG2protein kinase AMP-activated non-catalytic subunit gamma 2
  • RYR2ryanodine receptor 2
  • ABCC9ATP binding cassette subfamily C member 9
  • NKX2-5NK2 homeobox 5
  • GJA5gap junction protein alpha 5
  • KCNA5potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily A member 5
  • MYL4myosin light chain 4
  • NPPAnatriuretic peptide A
  • SCN1Bsodium voltage-gated channel beta subunit 1
  • SCN2Bsodium voltage-gated channel beta subunit 2
  • SCN4Bsodium voltage-gated channel beta subunit 4
  • NUP155nucleoporin 155
  • KCNE2potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily E regulatory subunit 2
  • SCN3Bsodium voltage-gated channel beta subunit 3

YOUR DNA FILE

What can your DNA file tell you?

Your DNA file only includes the positions your test checked and reported. Consumer DNA kits usually test selected positions. Sequencing files can also leave out positions that were not reported or where the test could not give a result.

A variant missing from your file does not mean you tested negative for it. A ClinVar classification applies to a particular variant and the condition or finding it was reported for. It does not apply to everyone with that gene. An uncertain finding cannot establish a diagnosis.

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Sources and dates

The source information on this page last changed on 2026-09-18.

MedlinePlus Source details

Open source record ↗

Source release: Fri, 18 Sep 2026 05:17:13 GMT
Source publication: 2020-08-18
Source review: 2017-10

SHA-256: fdc8bd614310c12718379cef6569962e5d0e791cecabcc355b53a72816ac263a

About the library sources · Latest validated release · Record d608d782a589