Genetic heart disease

Genes play an important role in determining who is at risk for certain types of heart disease. We offer genetic testing to determine if you or your family member carry a gene or genetic mutation, which may indicate you have increased disease risk. You may benefit from our comprehensive services f you or your family members have an inherited heart disorder, such inherited arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, and connective tissue disorders, aneurysms, a family history of sudden death or very high cholesterol levels. You may also benefit if you have a genetic condition that could increase your child's risk of developing a congenital heart disease or heart defect. Our pediatrics genetic heart disease clinic is available through Duke Children's Hospital and Health Center.

Our genetic counselors help you manage your disease risk and our cardiologists work closely with you to provide the best level of medical care available. We treat the spectrum of inherited heart conditions including connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome. We help you and your family live long, healthy lives.

Choose Duke Heart Center’s genetic heart disease services because we offer:

• Top-ranked care. Duke Heart Center is ranked 5th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report because of our patients’ high survival rates, the number of heart procedures we perform and our comprehensive support services.
• Leading genetic heart disease researchers. Our physicians are also scientists who are nationally renowned for their involvement in the discovery of genes linked to early-onset heart disease, and ways to help identify patients most likely to benefit from certain treatments. Our participation in the latest research regarding how genes influence heart disease ensures we are up to date on, and you have access to, the most advanced treatments available.
• Comprehensive services. Our genetic counselors partner with you to identify and manage your risk for inherited heart disease. Our cardiologists specialize in treating inherited heart conditions, including familial dilated cardiomyopathy, inherited thrombotic disorders (such as Factor V Leiden), and a family history of sudden cardiac death or heart attack. We are one of the only clinics in the U.S. where genetic counselors work closely with cardiologists, including electrophysiologists, on conditions like inherited arrhythmia, which are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the heart.
• Easy access to clinical trials. We work seamlessly with cardiologists throughout Duke, and can identify ongoing clinical trials in which you may be eligible to participate.
• Personalized care. We work with you to ensure you receive individualized care that takes into account your current health status. We help you navigate future appointments, insurance, follow-up and physician referrals.