Getting to the heart of the matter: Genetic counselling in the cardiac clinic
Awareness of the genetic contribution to heart disease is growing in the medical and lay community. Since 1990 the identification of genes associated with a number of inherited cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and the long QT syndrome, has led to a growing need for genetic counselling for cardiac disease. Genetic counsellors are being called upon to contribute their expertise in risk assessment, pedigree analysis, genetic test interpretation, effective communication and psychosocial support to families with inherited cardiovascular diseases. Drawing from my experience as a genetic counsellor working in a Cardiology Department, at University College London Hospital, London, and at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, I will discuss my role in these services and some of the challenges I faced working in this emerging field. I will also discuss some of the opportunities I was presented with for research in this area.