British scientists have pinpointed a gene that could be the cause of the heart muscle to thicken, which raises the odds of having heart failure.

In heart failure, the weakened heart struggles to pump blood round the body, meaning that everyday tasks such as eating, dressing and getting out of bed can leave people breathless and exhausted.

Study leader Professor Stuart Cook said: "Our study shows that the Endog gene, plays an important role in the enlargement of the heart.   We found that a faulty copy of this gene causes the heart to become thick and fatty, making it a 'heavy heart' with poor function."

Medical director of the BHF, Professor Peter Weissberg said: "This study has discovered a gene which seems to hold the key to causing a 'heavy heart'.  An enlarged or 'heavy heart' is a significant cause of multiple heart problems - including heart failure - that can have a profound impact on people’s quality of life."

Source:   The Daily Mail

Clinical Paper:   Nature