Top Things to Know: Enhancing Literacy in Cardiovascular Genetics
Published: September 26, 2016
- While the field of cardiovascular genetics has grown rapidly, advances in clinical education are lagging.
- Several barriers to genetic education have been identified including lack of time, lack of educational providers, lack of interest in trainees and practitioners, and lack of educational programs, resources and referral guidance.
- The purpose of this statement is to identify areas of knowledge and provide guidance to practitioners in gaining core competence in cardiovascular genetics.
- Knowledge areas for Core Competencies in Genetics for Healthcare Professionals are defined.
- Cardiovascular conditions that require genetic evaluation are discussed, as well as considerations and issues to address before and after genetic testing.
- Genetic testing and the use of genetics-guided diagnosis and management of cardiovascular conditions are discussed, as well as the use of pharmacogenetic testing.
- New knowledge of the impact of genetics and genomics on cardiovascular patient care is continually advancing. This statement provides guidance on the types of genetic testing currently available, explains ways genetic testing can be used to help patients, and gives advice for acquiring and maintaining genetics competencies
Citation
Mital S, Musunuru K, Garg V, Russell MW, Lanfear DE, Gupta RM, Hickey KT, Ackerman MJ, Perez MV, Roden DM, Woo D, Fox CS, Ware S; on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Genomic and Precision Medicine; Council on Lifelong Congenital Heart Disease and Heart Health in the Young; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; Stroke Council; Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health; and Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research. Enhancing literacy in cardiovascular genetics: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association [published online ahead of print September 26, 2016]. Circ Cardiovasc Genet. doi: 10.1161/HCG.0000000000000031