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Current Cardiovascular Genetic Counseling

  • Genetic Counseling and Clinical Testing (B LeRoy and N Callanan, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Genetic Medicine Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Genetic counseling is an increasingly important component of cardiovascular care in the era of precision medicine.

Recent Findings

Over the last 15 years, genetic testing for inherited cardiovascular diseases has exponentially increased and as such increased the need for complex genetic discussions with patients and their family members. Inherited cardiovascular conditions have an inherent risk for sudden cardiac death, and explaining the risks to at-risk family members and discussing the options for genetic testing to identify those truly at risk is an essential component of complete cardiovascular genetics care. Genetic counselors are trained experts who are increasingly filling this role and embracing the complexities that present as genetic technology evolves.

Summary

The incorporation of genetics into clinical cardiovascular care continues to expand, and genetic counselors play an integral role for families and clinicians.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: •• Of major importance

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Feinberg School of Medicine, Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-119, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA

    Heather MacLeod & Lisa Castillo

Authors
  1. Heather MacLeod
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  2. Lisa Castillo
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Heather MacLeod.

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Disclosure

Lisa Castillo declares that she has no conflict of interest. Heather MacLeod provided an education webinar for Ambry, outside of the submitted work.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

This article is part of the Topical collection on Genetic Counseling and Clinical Testing.

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MacLeod, H., Castillo, L. Current Cardiovascular Genetic Counseling. Curr Genet Med Rep 4, 142–146 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40142-016-0095-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40142-016-0095-0

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