Inherited cardiovascular diseases, sometimes also called genetic heart diseases, are caused by differences in your genes, which are made of DNA. Genes are passed down from our parents and provide our body with instructions for the structure and function of our hearts, blood vessels, and cholesterol. Problems with these instructions can cause heart and blood vessel diseases that can run in families.

Genetic heart diseases can look similar to other, more common heart diseases, so recognizing their subtle differences is crucial. Inherited heart disease often needs earlier treatment to avoid heart failure, heart attacks, sudden cardiac arrest, and other complications. With the right evaluation and proper intervention, your risk for serious complications can be lessened.

In the course of an evaluation, our clinic team works closely together to get a detailed understanding of your condition. Our highly experienced cardiologists and advanced practice providers analyze the results of your heart imaging and other tests, while our genetic counselors provide expert interpretation of your family history, family risk, and genetic testing results.

Our evaluations involve multiple steps, each guiding the next:

• Medical and family history:  A cardiologist or advanced practice provider (APP) will call to ask you about your symptoms, current medications, previous heart history, and family history. With this information, the APP will determine what additional records, heart testing, and family information are needed before your first clinic visit. This preparation allows your first clinic visit to be as efficient as possible. Before the visit, we may arrange additional testing at our clinic with specialized testing and procedures to provide your team with the most accurate information about your heart.
  
• Imaging and other heart tests: We review your records and test results. Our cardiologists assess physical changes to your heart and its function. Their experience helps them recognize subtle signs of genetic disease.