Genetic testing to help understand the cause of a heart problem

Some heart conditions, like heart muscle diseases (called cardiomyopathy) and certain heart rhythm problems, may have a genetic cause. Your healthcare provider may suggest genetic testing to look for a cause for your or your child’s heart problem.

In rare cases, knowing the genetic cause of a heart problem can lead to a specific treatment, such as a new medication or device. More commonly, finding a genetic cause does not change how your doctor looks after you, but may still be helpful information for you and your heart specialist (cardiologist). And if a cause is found, then genetic testing can be a helpful screening tool for your family.

Watch the video to learn more about:

• What genetic testing is
• What results you can expect from this test
• Limitations to genetic testing

When a genetic cause is known in your family

There are many inherited conditions that affect heart health. In some families, there is a known genetic cause for the heart condition. These are called inherited heart conditions.

If there is a known genetic cause for an inherited heart condition in your family, genetic counselling is available to you discuss the option of genetic testing and heart screening recommendations. A genetic counsellor will ask you about your health and family history, and explore with you the medical and emotional aspects of genetic testing.

Genetic testing usually starts with a family member who has a heart condition. If a genetic cause is found, their family members can then have genetic testing to learn about their chances of having or developing the heart condition.

Watch the video to learn more about:

• What causes inherited heart conditions
• The option of genetic testing and what results you can expect
• Things to consider before having a genetic test​