A Guide for a Cardiovascular Genomics Biorepository: the CATHGEN Experience

The CATHeterization GENetics (CATHGEN) biorepository was assembled in four phases. First, project start-up began in 2000. Second, between 2001 and 2010, we collected clinical data and biological samples from 9334 individuals undergoing cardiac catheterization. Samples were matched at the individual level to clinical data collected at the time of catheterization and stored in the Duke Databank for Cardiovascular Diseases (DDCD). Clinical data included the following: subject demographics (birth date, race, gender, etc.); cardiometabolic history including symptoms; coronary anatomy and cardiac function at catheterization; and fasting chemistry data. Third, as part of the DDCD regular follow-up protocol, yearly evaluations included interim information: vital status (verified via National Death Index search and supplemented by Social Security Death Index search), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, rehospitalization, coronary revascularization procedures, medication use, and lifestyle habits including smoking. Fourth, samples were used to generate molecular data. CATHGEN offers the opportunity to discover biomarkers and explore mechanisms of cardiovascular disease.