What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and who is at risk?

HCM is a genetic heart condition causing heart muscle thickening, affecting 1 in 200-500 people globally. A new study highlights a specific genetic risk factor among South Indians.

What did the inStem study find about South Indian genetics?

Researchers at inStem discovered unique genetic mutations in South Indians, particularly in the MYH6 gene, that increase HCM risk, differing from Western populations.

Why is this new genetic discovery important for India?

This finding necessitates tailored screening programs and personalized medicine for South Indians, improving early detection and prevention of sudden cardiac death.

Home / Health / South India's Unique Heart Gene Risk Found

South India's Unique Heart Gene Risk Found

1 Dec, 2025

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Summary

South Indian genetic pattern raises hypertrophic cardiomyopathy risk.
Mutations differ from Western populations, requiring tailored screening.
Study points to MYH6 gene variations, unlike common European findings.

South India's Unique Heart Gene Risk Found

Researchers in Bengaluru have uncovered a distinct genetic signature among South Indians that markedly elevates their risk for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a serious heart condition. This finding, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, reveals that the genetic mutations prevalent in this population differ significantly from those commonly observed in Western countries.

The study, involving a large cohort of South Indian HCM patients, identified that variants in genes like MYH6 are more common, whereas mutations in MYBPC3 and MYH7, which are frequent globally, are less so. This population-specific genetic profile challenges long-held assumptions in cardiovascular research and highlights a critical gap in understanding HCM.

These revelations are poised to revolutionize cardiac care in India, enabling more accurate diagnoses and the development of targeted screening programs. The research paves the way for personalized medicine, offering hope for improved early detection and better clinical outcomes for individuals of South Indian origin.