Psychological Issues in Managing Families with Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases

The field of cardiovascular genetic counseling has evolved dramatically in recent years largely to manage the unique psychological needs of the inherited cardiovascular disease patient population. For many, there can be difficulty in coming to terms with a diagnosis, whether it be adjusting to lifestyle recommendations such as exclusion from competitive sports or living with a small but remarkable risk of sudden cardiac death. For those considered at risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, the decision to have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator can be difficult. Living with the device, especially for those who are young and those who receive multiple shocks, can precipitate psychological distress and poor adaptation to the device. Family members who experience a sudden cardiac death of a young relative have a significant risk of poor psychological outcomes. The roles of the cardiac genetic counselor in facilitating patients' adaptation to their diagnoses and management and recognizing when additional support from a clinical psychologist is needed are key to ensuring families receive the best possible care.