Is Heart Failure Genetic?
Heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart cannot pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's needs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention.
Affects ~1 in 33 adults.
Genetic Factors Behind Heart Failure
Research has identified multiple genetic variants that influence a person's susceptibility to Heart Failure. While no single gene determines whether someone will develop this condition, specific variants can increase or decrease risk. Key genes studied in relation to Heart Failure include:
HSPB7ADRB1TTNBAG3HSPB7HSPB7 has been associated with heart failure in genetic studies; as with most common variants, its individual effect is modest and works alongside many other genetic and non-genetic factors.
ADRB1ADRB1 has been associated with heart failure in genetic studies; as with most common variants, its individual effect is modest and works alongside many other genetic and non-genetic factors.
TTNTTN has been associated with heart failure in genetic studies; as with most common variants, its individual effect is modest and works alongside many other genetic and non-genetic factors.
BAG3BAG3 has been associated with heart failure in genetic studies; as with most common variants, its individual effect is modest and works alongside many other genetic and non-genetic factors.
How GenomeInsight Analyzes Your Risk
GenomeInsight examines your raw DNA data from services like 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or whole-genome sequencing (VCF files) to identify genetic variants associated with Heart Failure. The analysis is performed entirely in your browser, meaning your genetic data never leaves your device.
For each relevant variant, GenomeInsight reports your genotype, the associated risk allele, the odds ratio from published research, and your overall risk profile compared to the general population. Results are presented with easy-to-understand risk visualizations and percentile rankings.
Genetic risk is only one piece of the puzzle. Lifestyle, diet, environment, and family history all contribute to overall risk. GenomeInsight's analysis is for informational and educational purposes and is not a medical diagnosis.
Understanding Your Heart Failure Results
After uploading your DNA file, you will receive a detailed health risk report covering 52 conditions, including Heart Failure. For each condition, GenomeInsight analyzes multiple SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and calculates a combined risk assessment.
Your results will show whether you carry risk-increasing or protective alleles in genes like HSPB7, ADRB1, TTN, and BAG3. Risk levels range from "Below Average" to "Significantly Increased," with population percentile comparisons to contextualize your results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Failure
Which genes are linked to Heart Failure?
Heart Failure has been associated with HSPB7, ADRB1, TTN, BAG3 in genome-wide association studies. No single variant causes the condition — genetic susceptibility is the sum of many small effects.
If I carry risk variants, will I develop Heart Failure?
Carrying risk alleles raises probability, not certainty. Most common conditions arise from genes interacting with lifestyle and environment over decades, so a higher genetic risk score is best used as motivation for the relevant screening and prevention measures, not as a prediction.
What DNA data do I need for this analysis?
Any standard consumer-genetics raw file (23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, or VCF from sequencing) contains the relevant variants. Analysis runs locally on your device, so your genetic data stays private.
Sources & Further Reading
The risk associations described on this page come from published genome-wide association studies and curated public genomic databases. Explore the primary sources for each gene:
Explore Related Conditions
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Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that can lead to blood clots, stroke, and heart failure. It is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia.
Hypertension
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Venous Thromboembolism
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. It occurs when blood clots form in veins, often in the legs, and can become life-threatening if a clot travels to the lungs.
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Discover Your Heart Failure Risk Profile
Upload your 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or VCF file for a free, privacy-first genetic analysis covering Heart Failure and 51 other health conditions.
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