CardioGene is comprised of 4 different panels to ensure detailed coverage of the genes responsible for causing Inherited Cardiac Conditions (ICCs). It is performed on a blood sample, ideally on someone who is affected with an ICC. The appropriate panel will be discussed prior to testing, depending on the particular type of ICC found in the patient or their family: HCM, ARVC/DCM, IAS, ICD/SD.
There are 3 possible outcomes:
If a mutation is not identified, this does not mean that your ICC is not genetic, just that we have been unable to determine a genetic cause - future genetic testing may be available depending on your condition. What does it mean if I have a mutation? If the test identifies a mutation in your saliva sample, this means we have identified the cause of your/ your family’s ICC and that unaffected family members may benefit from a genetic test. It is unlikely that your clinical management will change upon the identification of a specific faulty gene; however for a few genes this may be the case.
Presently, it is not possible to predict the clinical course of your ICC based on a particular gene or mutation as there generally is not a consistent correlation between the two. The specific gene identified will inform us how your ICC is inherited and will help us in determining which of your family members require clinical screening and who would benefit from genetic testing.
Book an initial 1 hour consultation for only £150 and find out if you are at risk
Testing is usually best performed on someone who has been diagnosed with an ICC.
The test is performed on a blood sample and takes 4-6 weeks to obtain a result.
When an ICC has been identified in the family, it is advisable that all first- degree family members undergo clinical screening by a cardiologist. This is regardless of whether a genetic mutation can be identified in the family and should also take place even in the absence of symptoms. The intervals and timings of screening should be discussed with your cardiologist and will be dependent on age and type of ICC.
Inherited Cardiac Conditions (ICC)
Inherited Cardiac Conditions, or ICC, are a group of heart conditions that are due to a genetic cause. The most common types of inherited cardiac conditions are the cardiomyopathies and the inherited arrhythmia syndromes (IAS).
Genes come in pairs; one copy is inherited from our mother and one copy from our father. In most ICC's, there is a 50% chance, that an affected parent will pass the faulty gene onto each of their children. However, there are some rarer types of heart conditions that are inherited in an X-linked pattern, where boys are more commonly affected than girls.
At GeneHealth UK we offer genetic counselling to assist you prior to genetic testing. Our Counsellors will provide you with all the information you need to make a decision and will help explain the process of genetic testing to you. Our Counsellors will also be available after your test to discuss the results and your options.
The price list for CardioGene is available here. All services include pre- and post-test genetic counselling.
If you would like further information and advice on genetic testing for cardiovascular disease, please contact our team today.
Book an initial 1 hour consultation for only £150 and find out if you are at risk.
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