Cardiovascular Genetics

In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the understanding of the role that genetics plays in a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases. In addition to understanding that lifestyle choices play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease, we now understand that some individuals are genetically predisposed to develop cardiovascular disease. To address this group, the Program for Cardiovascular Genetics at Northwestern Memorial Hospital has been developed to help individuals and their families live longer, healthier lives through diagnosis, treatment and education.

Program

The Program for Cardiovascular Genetics provides:

• Screening and diagnostic testing
• Genetic testing and counseling
• Extensive treatment strategies
• Preventive education

The Program for Cardiovascular Genetics recommends screening, diagnostic and genetic testing for families with a history of the following conditions, which include but are not limited to:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathies
• Familial dilated cardiomyopathy
• Marfan syndrome and inherited aortic aneurysm syndromes
• Inherited arrhythmia syndromes, including long QT syndrome and family history of sudden death
• Familial lipid disorders
• Inherited valve disorders
• Congenital heart disorders
• Inherited thrombotic abnormalities

The Program for Cardiovascular Genetics will see patients either on a consult basis or on a regular basis. Treatment plans will be conveyed to the patient’s primary care physician after each clinic visit.

Team

Directed by Hossein Ardehali, MD, PhD, the Program for Cardiovascular Genetics is comprised of a network of specialists, including cardiac, vascular and general surgeons, cardiologists, internists, genetic counselors, nurses and educational specialists, that provide comprehensive and coordinated patient care to treat all forms of cardiovascular genetic disorders.

Program for Cardiovascular Genetics Physician Team
Hossein Ardehali, MD, PhD
Lubna Choudhury, MD
Leonard Ilkhanoff, MD
S. Chris Malaisrie, MD
Marla A. Mendelson, MD
Sanjiv J. Shah, MD

Research

Physicians and physician researchers within the Program for Cardiovascular Genetics participate in clinical research trials to find new and better ways to diagnose and treat inherited forms of cardiovascular disease. Please consider volunteering in a clinical research trial, as your participation will contribute to important advancements of medical knowledge.

Contact

For more information regarding the Program for Cardiovascular Genetics, please contact the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at 1-866-662-8467 or request a first time appointment online.