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Background Cardiomyopathies affect more than 0.5% of the general population. They are associated with high risk of sudden cardiac death, which can result from either heart failure or electrical abnormalities. Although different mechanisms underlie the various types of cardiomyopathies, a principal pathology is common to all and is usually at the level of the cardiac muscle. With a relatively high incidence rate in most countries, and a subsequent major health burden on both the families and governments, cardiomyopathies are gaining more attention by researchers and pharmaceutical companies as well as health government bodies. In Lebanon, there is no official data about the spectrum of the diseases in terms of their respective prevalence, clinical, or genetic profiles. Methods We used exome sequencing to unravel the genetic basis of idiopathic cases of cardiomyopathies in Lebanon, a relatively small country with high rates of consanguineous marriages. Results Five cases were diagnosed with different forms of cardiomyopathies, and exome sequencing revealed the presence of already documented or novel mutations in known genes in three cases: LMNA for an Emery Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy case, PKP2 for an arrhythmogenic right ventricle dysplasia case, and MYPN for a dilated cardiomyopathy case. Interestingly two brothers with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have a novel missense variation in NPR1, the gene encoding the natriuretic peptides receptor type I, not reported previously to be causing cardiomyopathies. Conclusion Our results unravel novel mutations in known genes implicated in cardiomyopathies in Lebanon. Changes in clinical management however, require genetic profiling of a larger cohort of patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12920-019-0478-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a challenging and serious disease with a high incidence of sudden cardiac deaths. Patients with CPVT should not be exposed to physical or emotional exertion that might induce ventricular tachycardia. This article presents a case with CPVT and discusses the clinical features of the disease, its genetic background, and the management of CPVT.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a familial cardiac disease manifested in a wide phenotype and diverse genotype and, thus, presenting unpredictable risks mainly on young adults. Extensive studies are being conducted to categorize patients and link phenotype with genotype for a better management and control of the disease with all its complications. Because the full mechanisms behind HCM are still not revealed, therapeutics are not definitive. Further research is to be conducted for the generation of a complete picture and directed therapy for HCM.