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Updated: May 1, 2026

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Published on: January 16, 2019
Integration of genetic testing into diagnostic pathways for cardiomyopathies: a clinical consensus statement by the
Perry Elliott1,2, Heribert Schunkert3,4, Antoine Bondue5
1Department of Inherited Cardiovascular Conditions, Barts Heart Centre, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK.
Insights
Cardiologists should integrate genetic testing into cardiomyopathy care, following new guidelines. This consensus statement guides genetic test prescription, interpretation, and counseling for patients and families.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Genetics
- Clinical Cardiology
Background:
- Cardiomyopathies require comprehensive diagnostic evaluation.
- Genetic testing is increasingly crucial for managing cardiomyopathies.
- Current clinical practice needs updated guidance on genetic testing integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a consensus statement on genetic testing for cardiomyopathies.
- To guide cardiologists in integrating genetic testing into routine cardiac care.
- To align with the 2023 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Clinical consensus development by the ESC Council for Cardiovascular Genomics.
- Review of current genetic testing modalities for cardiomyopathies.
- Guidance on prescription, interpretation, and genetic counseling.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of available genetic tests for cardiomyopathies.
- Recommendations for the appropriate use of genetic testing.
- Guidance on managing genetic findings, including variants of unknown significance.
Conclusions:
- Genetic testing is essential for the modern management of cardiomyopathies.
- This statement facilitates the implementation of genetic testing in clinical practice.
- Effective genetic counseling is vital for patients and families affected by cardiomyopathies.
Abstract:
In the modern era, cardiologists managing patients and families with cardiomyopathies need to be familiar with every stage of the diagnostic pathway from clinical phenotyping to the prescription and interpretation of genetic tests. This clinical consensus statement from the ESC Council for Cardiovascular Genomics aims to promote the integration of genetic testing into routine cardiac care of patients with cardiomyopathies, as recommended in the 2023 ESC guidelines for cardiomyopathies. The document describes the types of genetic tests currently available and provides advice on their prescription and for counselling after the return of genetic findings, including the approach in patients and families with variants of unknown significance.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

