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Living with Progressive familial heart block, type 1A

An inherited heart condition that affects the heart's electrical system and can slow the heartbeat.

Understanding Progressive familial heart block, type 1A

Progressive familial heart block type 1A is an inherited heart condition caused by problems with the heart's electrical system.

It is a bundle branch disorder, which means the electrical signals that run through the heart don't travel normally. This can slow the heartbeat. It is diagnosed with an electrocardiogram (ECG), which shows changes in the heart's electrical activity.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD describes these features:

  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
  • Fainting (syncopal episodes)
  • Slow heartbeat

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Would genetic testing for the SCN5A gene make sense for our family?
How often should I have an ECG?
Should my relatives be screened too?

Quick facts

This condition is caused by changes in the SCN5A gene. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene from a parent is enough.

Also known as: cardiac conduction defect progressive; heart block progressive familial type 1; heart block, progressive familial, type i; heart block, progressive, type ia; hereditary bundle branch system defect; lenegre syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Progressive familial heart block, type 1AGARD ID 1093 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Progressive familial heart block, type 1A.

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