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Published on: August 8, 2022
Genetic testing in the contemporary diagnosis of cardiomyopathy
1Division of Human Genetics, Internal Medicine, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, 2001 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH 43240, USA. amy.sturm@osumc.edu
Insights
Heritable cardiomyopathies are common genetic heart conditions. Genetic testing and counseling are crucial for diagnosis, identifying at-risk relatives, and guiding management for these heart diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Heritable cardiomyopathies are prevalent genetic disorders.
- These conditions significantly increase the risk of heart failure and sudden cardiac death.
- Current guidelines recommend family history, genetic testing, and counseling for affected individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of genetic testing in managing heritable cardiomyopathies.
- To emphasize the role of genetic counseling in patient care.
- To discuss the benefits and limitations of genetic testing.
Main Methods:
- Review of current practice guidelines and consensus statements.
- Discussion of advancements in DNA sequencing technologies and genetic testing panels.
- Emphasis on the integration of genetic testing and counseling in clinical practice.
Main Results:
- Genetic testing panels for cardiomyopathies are now widely available due to technological advances and cost reductions.
- Genetic testing aids in identifying the specific cause of cardiomyopathies.
- Genetic testing is instrumental in determining which family members are at risk.
Conclusions:
- Genetic testing is a valuable tool for diagnosing and managing heritable cardiomyopathies.
- Genetic counseling, both pre- and post-test, is essential for informed decision-making.
- Comprehensive genetic evaluation benefits patients and their families by clarifying risk and guiding care.
Abstract:
The heritable cardiomyopathies are relatively common conditions that can lead to heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Family history collection, genetic testing and genetic counseling are recommended for these patients and families in multiple practice guidelines and consensus statements. Research discoveries and rapidly dropping costs of DNA sequencing technologies have resulted in the availability of multiple cardiomyopathy genetic testing panels. Genetic testing not only helps in determining the underlying etiology of idiopathic and familial cardiomyopathies, but is also a powerful tool in the determination of which relatives are at-risk and which are not. Both pre- and post-test genetic counseling is an imperative component of genetic testing, as there are many benefits and limitations of genetic testing that need discussed with each patient undergoing this process.
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Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
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