The Cardiac Genetics Clinic at London Bridge Hospital

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020 7407 0292

St. Olaf House

27 Tooley Street

London SE1 2PR

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London Bridge Hospital’s Cardiac Genetics Clinic

The Cardiac Genetics Clinic at London Bridge Hospital combines comprehensive cardiac genetic screening and advanced treatment for all forms of inherited cardiovascular disease including cardiomyopathies, inherited arrhythmias, sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) and aortic disease.

Unlike more widely known forms of heart disease, inherited cardiovascular disease is normally caused by a gene mutation passed down through families. The results of a faulty gene can present at any age and affect individuals of any level of fitness. If undetected or untreated these disorders can lead to significant cardiac problems.

Genetic testing

Using sophisticated genetic testing in our state-of-the-art research laboratories, where appropriate we can try and identify the faulty gene causing an inherited cardiac condition.

With between 20 – 25,000 different genes our specialist team must define the parameters for specific genetics test through analysis of the patients presenting symptoms, individual history and family history of cardiovascular disease. For those indicating an underlying genetic issue a simple blood test will be carried out and analysed by pathologists in our HCA UK Laboratories.

Our cardiac genetics team will then establish a full diagnosis and devise a personalised treatment plan through in-depth study of the faulty gene combined with appropriate diagnostic tests.

Family screening

Once revealed in one family member a cardiac genetic mutation has the potential to affect other family members, whatever their age, whether as carrier or manifesting a condition.

We can advise on the best time to screen other family members and whether it should be using genetic testing or other forms of diagnostics. Identifying the condition can help us initiate treatment at the optimal time and help prevent significant episodes.

Relatives often experience similar symptoms or have comparable diagnoses however it’s still important they undergo screening to receive the most appropriate advice for themselves and potential children affected.

Diagnosis and treatment planning

If a GP or cardiologist suspects an underlying genetic condition due to symptoms such as palpitations, blackouts or chest pain or most commonly if a parent, sibling or child has recently been affected or diagnosed, they will refer for genetic testing.

On visiting London Bridge Hospital’s Cardiac Genetics Clinic, patients will be taken through a thorough assessment programme which includes:

Initial diagnostics

30 minutes with Cardiac Genetics Clinical Nurse Specialist: Over the phone or in person to discuss a patient’s family and medical history
Electrocardiogram (ECG): To check the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity
Echocardiogram (ECHO): To look at the structure of the heart and valves as well as providing information on the function and pumping action of the heart
24 hour tape and exercise test: To be reviewed with the most appropriate specialist
Cardiac Consultation: Review of results with the Consultant Cardiologist most suitable for your condition

Further diagnostics include

Stress echo: To determine how well the heart and blood vessels are working during exercise
Cardiac MRI: To understand the heart’s structure and assess how well it’s performing
Genetic Test: To help find a genetic explanation for a patient’s condition or determine the risk of an inherited condition
Ajmaline test: For those suspected of having Brugada syndrome
Final Cardiac Consultation: Final review of results with Consultant Cardiologist

Not all patients with an inherited cardiac condition will require specific treatment. For those that do, some may be prescribed medications to help with minor symptoms whereas others may need to be considered for implantable devices such as Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs).

Common inherited cardiac conditions include:

Cardiomyopathies icon plus

Genetic diseases affecting the heart muscle including Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Arrythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, and Non-compaction Cardiomyopathy.
Inherited arrhythmias (or inherited heart rhythm problems) icon plus

Genetic conditions that tend to only affect the electrical circuits in the heart. Common examples include Long QT Syndrome, Brugada Syndrome, and Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT).
Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) icon plus

Also known as sudden adult death syndrome, is the cause of approximately 30% to 40% of sudden deaths with no other obvious cause, due to inherited cardiomyopathies or arrhythmias.
Aortopathies icon plus

Refers to inherited problems with the aorta and includes such conditions as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.
Neuromuscular Diseases icon plus

Many genetic neuromuscular diseases affect the heart and these include Myotonic Dystrophy, Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophies and Dystrophinopathies.
Familial Hypercholesterolemia icon plus

Affects around 600,000 people in the UK and can lead to premature strokes and heart attacks.
Metabolic diseases icon plus

This group includes many very rare diseases such as Mitochondrial and storage diseases.

Cardiac treatment

London Bridge Hospital’s team of renowned consultants pioneer the latest treatments in cardiovascular disease. They frequently perform groundbreaking procedures, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and exploring how to improve outcomes with less impact to the patient.

Interventional treatment of inherited cardiac conditions performed at London Bridge Hospital include:

PEARS: Personalised External Aortic Root Support
Catheter Ablation
Pacemakers and defibrillators including subcutaneous defibrillators
Surgery for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

The Cardiac Genetics team at London Bridge Hospital

The team has extensive experience managing the complete journey from testing through to diagnosis, risk assessment through to care. Treating complexity on a daily basis patients can be assured they’re in the hands of a foremost team of Consultant Cardiologists, Geneticists, Nurses, and Radiologists. Their knowledge in cardiovascular genetics is second to none with lead Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Carr-White, sitting on the NHS national advisory board for inherited and cardiac diseases.

Professor Gerald Carr-White Cardiac Genetics

Dr Gerry Carr-White

Consultant Cardiologist

See Gerry Carr-White's profile

Tootie Bueser

Cardiac Genetics Clinical Nurse Specialist

Mr Conal Austin

Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, specialising in atrial septal defect and PFO closure

See Conal Austin's profile

Dr Michael Cooklin

Consultant Cardiologist

See Michael Cooklin's profile

Prof Anthony Wierzbicki

Consultant Pathologist

See Anthony Wierzbicki's profile

HCA UK Laboratories

Using cutting-edge technology the Cardiac Genetics Clinic work alongside HCA UK Laboratories providing routine genetics analysis as well as exploration in more complex inherited cardiac conditions.

Collectively operating under HCA Healthcare UK we give patients access to multi-disciplinary pathologists and a seamless turnaround of results. Built over years of established relationships and collaborative working we’re able to operate a flexible and efficient pathology service of the highest quality.