Melissa’s story: Genetic testing solved the mystery of her cardiomyopathy

When Melissa was 2.5 years old, her pediatrician tested and diagnosed her with a heart condition called <a href="https://www.invitae.com/en/providers/cardiology/genetic-testing-insights?gad=1&gclid=cjwkcajwqzslbhbweiwafozuinjdaaaihzwi61ftykzy9qpxguaefdgskdk0pdli8i0g_halrfqudxocsc4qavd_bwe%3F&utm_source=medium&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=general_patient&utm_content=melissa_story_cardiomyopathy" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">cardiomyopathy</a>. There are many different forms of cardiomyopathy, but in general, it’s a type of cardiovascular disease that makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. The pediatrician told Melissa’s mother that her specific type of cardiomyopathy was called dilated cardiomyopathy, which can cause the heart muscle to become weakened and enlarged (dilated), so it can’t pump blood as efficiently. Given her condition, the pediatrician stated, "Melissa could either live a normal, healthy life, or, worst case scenario, she would need a heart transplant.” <a href="https://blog.invitae.com/melissas-story-genetic-testing-solves-the-mystery-of-her-cardiomyopathy-fa36b8852b4c">Website</a>