Can female carriers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy have muscle or heart symptoms?

Yes, female carriers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy can exhibit symptoms related to the condition. While the disease is primarily associated with males, female carriers may experience muscle fatigue and cardiomyopathy, a condition affecting the heart muscle.1

Although historical descriptions sometimes stated that females do not manifest the disease, it is now recognized that carriers can indeed show clinical signs. Because the DMD gene is located on the X chromosome, females who carry the mutation have a 50 percent chance of passing it to their children. Genetic screening and counseling are recommended for identifying carriers and managing the potential health implications associated with the trait.12