Some heart conditions have a genetic component, meaning people can inherit them. Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute offers genetic testing for congenital heart disease and other hereditary heart conditions.

By helping individuals and families learn more about their genetic risks, we can educate them about today’s advanced heart treatments and offer options, sometimes before treatment is needed.

Genetic testing involves giving a blood sample. We use the sample to analyze your genetic material in the lab. Depending on the type of test, results may be available in a few days or several weeks. We will discuss the results with you to prepare a personalized treatment plan for you and your family.

Which Heart Conditions Are Genetic?

At Memorial, we offer genetic testing for inherited heart conditions that tend to affect the heart’s structures or electrical system. The two main kinds of inherited heart diseases are cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia. There are several sub-types of each. Marfan syndrome, a connective tissue disorder, is also an inherited condition.

Though many of us may carry genes that predispose us to coronary artery disease or high blood pressure, genetic testing doesn’t yet exist for this type of heart disease.

In addition to genetic testing, we offer fetal diagnosis for women who are pregnant and have a family history of congenital heart disease. This testing can help families make timely decisions and access prenatal treatment for certain heart conditions.

Why Choose Memorial for Heart Disease Genetic Testing?

With genetic-related heart conditions, early diagnosis and management is important. We offer:

• On-site geneticist: If we suspect your heart condition has a genetic component, we may refer you to our genetic specialist. Our team works together with you and your family to provide the answers you need.
• Full range of care: We diagnose and treat many genetic heart conditions. We frequently see patients with cardiomyopathy (a heart muscle weakness) or arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat). Our specialists in heart failure, electrophysiology and heart surgery provide a wide range of treatments.
• Coordination with pediatric heart program: We work with the pediatric heart team at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Heart Institute to treat entire families for genetic heart conditions.
• Program for Marfan syndrome: Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder that can affect the heart and vascular system. Through our Marfan syndrome program, we bring together specialists from both genetics and cardiology to diagnose, evaluate and treat children and adults with MFS.