What is Cardiogenetics?

Cardiogenetics refers to the area of medicine that seeks to identify gene variants linked to inherited forms of heart diseases. Genetic diagnoses can help patients and their loved ones be informed of their cardiovascular risks.

What kinds of cardiac conditions have genetic indications?

  • Long QT Syndrome (LQTS)

  • Brugada Syndrome (BrS)

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

  • Familial Atrial Fibrillation

  • Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

How Can Clover Genetics Help?

Cardiogenetics focuses on early identification and treatment. Usually, the earlier something is caught the more options are available to take steps to improve health outcomes. Proactive health measures can include medications that help control heart rhythm, and lifestyle changes that ensure heart health is prioritized.

Examples of Preventative Treatments:

  • Connective Tissue Disorders: Medications can reduce strain on the tissue, thus reducing the risk for aortic dissection (aka tears in arteries)

  • Cardiomyopathies

    • Medication can reduce strain on the heart muscle

    • Proactive planning for potential future transplants

    • Increased imaging studies to monitor heart health

  • Arrhythmia

    • Education on the use of defibrillators

    • Review of medications that can help maintain healthy heart function and rhythm (e.g. beta-blockers, etc.)

    • Education on avoidance of triggers for sudden cardiac failure (e.g. jump scares, roller-coasters, extreme physical stress, etc.)

    • Careful evaluation of what medications must be avoided to prevent abnormalities in heart rhythm (e.g. medications that prolong the Qt interval of the heart)

    • Understanding any increased risk for clots and the use of preventative measures and procedures