Genetic Counseling in Cardiovascular Care

TriHealth offers genetic counseling and genetic testing for adults who are concerned that they may have an inherited cardiovascular disease. If you are looking for more information about what genetic counseling is or insurance coverage for genetic testing, click here. 

How Do I Make an Appointment for Cardiovascular Genetic Counseling and Testing?

You can call 513 853 4363 and ask for a cardiovascular genetic counseling appointment. A referral is not required in order to schedule a genetic counseling appointment.

Healthcare providers can place a referral in EPIC using "AMB REFERRAL TO CARDIOLOGY GENETICS [REF1218]” or fax a referral form to our office. 

Am I Eligible for Cardiovascular Genetic Counseling?

You are eligible for genetic counseling if you have a personal and/or family history of any of the following conditions:

• Arrhythmia (heartbeat abnormalities).
• Cardiomyopathy (enlarged or thick heart).
• Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR Amyloidosis).
• Enlarged aorta in the chest, aortic aneurysm/dissection (< age 60).
• Heart defect present since birth in adults.
• High cholesterol or other abnormal lipid levels.
• Family member who died from a sudden cardiac death (< age 40).
• Family member with a gene mutation that causes a cardiovascular condition.

How can I Prepare for my Genetic Counseling Visit?

To prepare for your appointment, consider collecting your medical and family history to discuss with your genetic counselor. If you are unable to acquire this information, you are still able to meet with your genetic counselor. Some examples of medical and family history are provided below.

Medical Records:

• Screening or imaging you have had of your heart or arteries.
• Labs that have measured your lipid levels or cholesterol.
• Notes from cardiologists that you have seen.
• Pathology reports from surgeries or biopsies.

Family History:

• Heart disease history in your children, siblings, parents, aunts/uncles, and grandparents.
• Genetic testing results from any family members.
• Autopsy reports of any family member who passed away suddenly at a young age.

How Can Genetic Counseling Help?

• Establish or confirm your specific diagnosis and long-term implications.
• Clarify if you are at risk for a heart condition seen previously in your family.
• Provide an explanation of the underlying cause of your heart condition.
• Provide an opportunity to start risk reduction strategies or explore other treatment options.
• Identify other at-risk relatives in your family.