Genetic testing for heart disease

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People develop different health conditions, including heart disease, due to a combination of different factors. Some of it has to do with lifestyle (the food we eat, how active we are) and some of it has to do with genetics.

Knowing your genetic risk for heart disease and other heart-related diseases is critical to preventing potential health problems. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, making cardiovascular genetic testing even more important.

Dr. Amanda Coniglio is a cardiologist specializing in cardiovascular genetics at Rochester Regional Health Sands Constellation Heart Institute. She explains how genetic testing can help prevent serious heart disease and where to start the process.

Who is eligible for genetic testing?

Genetic testing is currently available to patients in their late teens and older.

Patients with a personal or family history of heart disease are encouraged to schedule an appointment. Heart problems or related symptoms include:

abnormal structure of the heart

aortic disease

high blood pressure

high cholesterol

heart failure

heart valve abnormalities

arrhythmia

Providers offering genetic testing through the Comprehensive Cardiovascular Genetics Program at Rochester Regional Health’s Sands Constellation Heart Institute use individualized genetic assessments to determine each patient’s risk.

“We want to see if their families have something they can pass on to future generations, and also help determine how serious their own risk of disease is going forward.” “I’m thinking about it,” Dr. Coniglio said.

Experts like Dr. Coniglio recommend repeating genetic testing at least every 5 to 10 years, as new research includes newly discovered genes associated with various diseases.

How to get tested for genetic heart disease

Genetic testing is usually done with a blood draw, cheek swab, or saliva sample. Anyone living in New York can request a test virtually using a test kit delivered to their home.

A follow-up visit will be scheduled in 4 to 6 weeks to review the test results and discuss future risks. Depending on the results, your health care provider may offer testing to other members of your family who may be affected.

If your family history indicates that you are at high risk for heart disease in the future, you can begin medication and regular surveillance cardiac imaging tests to help keep your heart strong.

Experts urge you not to ignore potential signs of heart disease or signs of heart disease that run in your family.

“In many cases, if there is a history of heart attacks in the family, this is actually an assumption, and these family members may have died due to heart rhythm abnormalities or structural abnormalities,” Dr. Coniglio said. said. A history of sudden death or heart disease should be evaluated. ”