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Review
. 2016 Mar-Apr;24(2):49-55.
doi: 10.1097/CRD.0000000000000081.

A Case for Inclusion of Genetic Counselors in Cardiac Care

Patricia Arscott  1 , Colleen Caleshu, Katrina Kotzer, Sarah Kreykes, Teresa Kruisselbrink, Kate Orland, Christina Rigelsky, Emily Smith, Katherine Spoonamore, Joy Larsen Haidle, Monica Marvin, Michael J Ackerman, Azam Hadi, Arya Mani, Steven Ommen, Sara Cherny
Affiliations
Review

A Case for Inclusion of Genetic Counselors in Cardiac Care

Patricia Arscott et al. Cardiol Rev. 2016 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

Recent advances in genetic testing for heritable cardiac diseases have led to an increasing involvement of the genetic counselor in cardiology practice. We present a series of cases collected from a nationwide query of genetics professionals regarding issues related to cost and utilization of genetic testing. Three themes emerged across cases: (1) choosing the most appropriate genetic test, (2) choosing the best person to test, and (3) interpreting results accurately. These cases demonstrate that involvement of a genetic counselor throughout the evaluation, diagnosis, and continuing management of individuals and families with inherited cardiovascular conditions helps to promote the efficient use of healthcare dollars.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest:

For the remaining authors none were declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Integrating a genetic counselor into clinical care. Flow chart depicts referral through genetic counseling and evaluation, determination of testing (or not), result disclosure, to communication of information to family members and referring providers. White boxes indicate decision points related to genetic testing. The genetic counselor may coordinate testing for family members once a positive mutation is identified.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Pedigree examples for case 4 (A), and case 5 (B). Arrow indicates individual presenting for genetic counseling (proband). Standard pedigree notation using circles for females and squares for males. Filled symbol represents affected individual. Diagonal line indicates individual is deceased.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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