Cardiovascular Genetics Program

If you have a personal and/or family history of heart disease, our genetic counselors can discuss genetic testing options with you. Genetic testing can be useful in determining and managing your risk of heart conditions, including cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias, aortic aneurysms and dissections, and familial hypercholesterolemia. Knowing if you are at an increased risk for one of these conditions can help your clinician provide personalized screening methods and/or early treatment/management to prevent sudden cardiac events.

Genetic Testing for Hereditary Heart Conditions

Although the majority of heart disease is due to non-genetic factors — such as environment, lifestyle, or age — some forms of heart disease are caused by gene mutations that can be passed down from generation to generation. Genetic testing can tell you if you carry a gene mutation known to cause an increased risk for heart disease.

How Genetic Testing Can Help

Genetic testing results can:

• Establish or confirm your specific diagnosis
• Provide an explanation of the underlying cause of your heart condition
• Assist you in making informed medical decisions and provide an opportunity to start risk reduction strategies
• Clarify if you are at risk for a heart condition running in your family
• Identify other at-risk relatives for whom genetic testing is recommended

Personalized Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling can help you understand hereditary heart conditions and the benefits and limitations of genetic testing. Our specially trained genetic counselors help you make informed decisions about genetic testing, screening, and management. We offer support and resources to help you handle the emotional impact that genetic testing results may have on you and your family.

Preparing for Your First Genetic Counseling Appointment

If possible, talk with your relatives about your family’s history of heart disease — specifically the type of heart disease your relatives had, the age at which family members were diagnosed with a heart condition, and if a family member has passed away, the age they passed away and cause of their death. If you or a relative has had genetic testing, please bring a copy of the result to your appointment. It’s also helpful to write down questions for the genetic counselor. You’re welcome to bring a friend or family member with you to your appointment.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your genetic counselor will ask you about your personal medical history and family history of heart disease. Your counselor will:

• Educate you about hereditary heart disease and inheritance
• Explain possible test results and provide follow-up recommendations
• Review your insurance coverage and legal protection related to genetic testing

You’ll have the option to have genetic testing the day of your appointment. If you decide to have genetic testing, you’ll have a blood sample drawn.

How to Get Your Results

Once the results are available, your genetic counselor will call you and explain your results in detail. You’ll learn:

• How your results impact your future cardiovascular screenings
• How your results impact your family members

You’ll be offered a copy of your results, and you always have the option to schedule a follow-up appointment with your genetic counselor to further discuss your results or answer your questions. Your consultation and results are treated with the same privacy and respect as your other personal health information.

Insurance Coverage of Genetic Testing

Most insurance plans cover genetic testing if there are appropriate risk factors for testing. During your session, your genetic counselor can explain the billing process for testing. Most genetic labs will verify your insurance coverage and notify you about any out-of-pocket expense before beginning the test. In most cases, you don’t need to call your insurance provider before your counseling appointment.

Referrals for Genetic Testing

We recommend you always discuss your concerns about your personal or family history of heart disease with your primary care provider. Although your doctor can refer you to genetic counseling, you don’t need a referral to schedule an appointment.