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.
Accessible appointments
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.
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 the Cardiac Genetics Clinic, patients will be taken through a thorough assessment programme which includes:
Genetic diseases affecting the heart muscle including Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Arrythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, and Non-compaction Cardiomyopathy.
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).
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.
Refers to inherited problems with the aorta and includes such conditions as Marfans syndrome and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.
Many genetic neuromuscular diseases affect the heart and these include Myotonic Dystrophy, Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophies and Dystrophinopathies.
Affects around 600,000 people in the UK and can lead to premature strokes and heart attacks.
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).
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:
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, Professor Gerry Carr-White, sitting on the NHS national advisory board for inherited and cardiac diseases.
Lead cardiology consultant: Prof Gerald Carr-White
Clinical Nurse Specialist: Tootie Bueser
Cardiothoracic surgeon: Mr Conal Austin
Consultant cardiologist: Dr Michael Cooklin
Consultant pathologist: Prof Anthony Wierzbicki
See a consultant