Genetic counselling and testing in the area of cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular diseases are currently the leading cause of death in Switzerland. Up until now, doctors have focused primarily on determining the risks posed by the environment and lifestyle choices. Genetic medicine, on the other hand, focuses on determining the cause of the disease and on treatment that is based on hereditary risk.

Genetic testing helps to explain the cause of existing heart disease, determine the risk of heart disease occurring, and initiate effective measures to treat or prevent the disease. Genetic testing also allows the use of patient-specific medication that will have the best-possible effect and minimal side effects.

Today, more than 300 different genes are known to be associated with heart disease. For example, there are genes that regulate the functioning of the heart muscle or control the heartbeat. The genes that can be analysed and that are associated with heart function can provide information about the following heart diseases:

• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Heart muscle diseases 
• Coronary heart diseases
• Coagulation disorders
• Diseases of the main artery

Together with the attending physician, the experts assess the added value of genetic analysis for the person concerned during the first counselling session. The following factors, among others, play a role in this assessment:

• There is genetic heart disease or the disease is suspected.
• Members of the patient's family who may have died from sudden cardiac death at a young age.
• There is a known increased risk of thrombosis.
• Whether there is an existing disease of the main artery (aorta) or such disease is suspected.
• The patient is on certain medication, for example, the patient may be undergoing treatment for cancer.

1. Initial consultation between the attending physician or Precise expert and the patient to discuss the genes to be tested and to explain the patient’s rights. At the end of the consultation, written consent is given and the blood sample is taken.
2. Genetic analysis including evaluation in the Precise laboratory and writing of a clinically oriented report of findings.
3. Second consultation between the attending physician or Precise expert and the patient to discuss the findings, including classification of the findings in the overall treatment process and discussion of suitable preventive measures and/or treatment options.

Genetic counselling is covered by basic health insurance as a normal medical consultation and is billed via Tarmed. For the genetic analysis, a cost approval is submitted to the health insurance company. The analysis is covered if the results are indicative for medical treatment. The consultation and analysis are covered as an innovation factor by certain supplementary insurances in the context of prevention. Contact your health insurance for more detailed information on your cost coverage.