GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — There is a rare gene mutation linked to sudden cardiac death and heart failure called phospholamban (PLN). It may not be very common worldwide, but likely more so in West Michigan, as it is particularly prevalent among those with Dutch ancestry.
“Unlike other genetic diseases, it presents relatively late in life, maybe 40s and 50s,” said Dr. Charles Hong, chair of the department of medicine at MSU College of Human Medicine. “So people don’t realize that it’s an inherited condition. We really don’t know how many people are affected.”
Now, medical professionals are raising awareness about the mutation, especially in West Michigan, where there is a large population with Dutch ancestry. It was traced to Frisian ancestors 700 years ago…