Cardiac Genetics Clinic

6th Floor, St. Olaf House
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR

Monday to Sunday: 24h

Cardiac Genetics Clinic in London

The Cardiac Genetics Clinic at London Bridge Hospital combines comprehensive cardiac genetic screening and advanced treatment for all forms of inherited cardiovascular disease including cardiomyopathies, inherited arrhythmias, sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) and aortic disease.

Unlike more widely known forms of heart disease, inherited cardiovascular disease is normally caused by a gene mutation passed down through families. The results of a faulty gene can present at any age and affect individuals of any level of fitness. If undetected or untreated these disorders can lead to significant cardiac problems.

Accessible appointments

Gene Tests

Family screening

HCA UK laboratories

Genetic testing

Using sophisticated genetic testing in our state-of-the-art research laboratories, where appropriate we can try and identify the faulty gene causing an inherited cardiac condition.

With between 20 – 25,000 different genes our specialist team must define the parameters for specific genetics test through analysis of the patients presenting symptoms, individual history and family history of cardiovascular disease. For those indicating an underlying genetic issue a simple blood test will be carried out and analysed by pathologists in our HCA UK Laboratories.

Our cardiac genetics team will then establish a full diagnosis and devise a personalised treatment plan through in-depth study of the faulty gene combined with appropriate diagnostic tests.

Learn more about genetic testing

Family screening

Once revealed in one family member a cardiac genetic mutation has the potential to affect other family members, whatever their age, whether as carrier or manifesting a condition.

We can advise on the best time to screen other family members and whether it should be using genetic testing or other forms of diagnostics. Identifying the condition can help us initiate treatment at the optimal time and help prevent significant episodes.

Relatives often experience similar symptoms or have comparable diagnoses however it’s still important they undergo screening to receive the most appropriate advice for themselves and potential children affected.

HCA UK laboratories

Using cutting-edge technology the Cardiac Genetics Clinic work alongside HCA UK Laboratories providing routine genetics analysis as well as exploration in more complex inherited cardiac conditions.

Collectively operating under HCA Healthcare UK we give patients access to multi-disciplinary pathologists and a seamless turnaround of results. Built over years of established relationships and collaborative working we’re able to operate a flexible and efficient pathology service of the highest quality.

Learn more about our laboratories

Diagnosis and treatment planning

If a GP or cardiologist suspects an underlying genetic condition due to symptoms such as palpitations, blackouts or chest pain or most commonly if a parent, sibling or child has recently been affected or diagnosed, they will refer for genetic testing.

On visiting the Cardiac Genetics Clinic, patients will be taken through a thorough assessment programme which includes:

Initial diagnostics

30 minutes with Cardiac Genetics Clinical Nurse Specialist: Over the phone or in person to discuss a patient’s family and medical history
Electrocardiogram (ECG): To check the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity
Echocardiogram (ECHO): To look at the structure of the heart and valves as well as providing information on the function and pumping action of the heart
24 hour tape and exercise test: To be reviewed with the most appropriate specialist
Cardiac Consultation: Review of results with the Consultant Cardiologist most suitable for your condition

Further diagnostic tests

Stress echo: To determine how well the heart and blood vessels are working during exercise
Cardiac MRI: To understand the heart’s structure and assess how well it’s performing
Genetic Test: To help find a genetic explanation for a patient’s condition or determine the risk of an inherited condition
Ajmaline test: For those suspected of having Brugada syndrome
Final Cardiac Consultation: Final review of results with Consultant Cardiologist

Common inherited cardiac conditions include

Cardiomyopathies

Genetic diseases affecting the heart muscle including Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Arrythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, and Non-compaction Cardiomyopathy.

Inherited arrhythmias (or inherited heart rhythm problems)

Genetic conditions that tend to only affect the electrical circuits in the heart. Common examples include Long QT Syndrome, Brugada Syndrome, and Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT).

Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS)

Also known as sudden adult death syndrome, is the cause of approximately 30% to 40% of sudden deaths with no other obvious cause, due to inherited cardiomyopathies or arrhythmias.

Aortopathies

Refers to inherited problems with the aorta and includes such conditions as Marfans syndrome and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

Neuromuscular diseases

Many genetic neuromuscular diseases affect the heart and these include Myotonic Dystrophy, Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophies and Dystrophinopathies.

Familial hypercholesterolemia

Affects around 600,000 people in the UK and can lead to premature strokes and heart attacks.

Metabolic diseases

This group includes many very rare diseases such as Mitochondrial and storage diseases.

Cardiac treatment

Not all patients with an inherited cardiac condition will require specific treatment. For those that do, some may be prescribed medications to help with minor symptoms whereas others may need to be considered for implantable devices such as Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs).

London Bridge Hospital’s team of renowned consultants pioneer the latest treatments in cardiovascular disease. They frequently perform groundbreaking procedures, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and exploring how to improve outcomes with less impact to the patient.

Interventional treatment of inherited cardiac conditions performed at London Bridge Hospital include:

The Cardiac Clinic Team Photoshoot 0223_07

Meet our team

The team has extensive experience managing the complete journey from testing through to diagnosis, risk assessment through to care. Treating complexity on a daily basis patients can be assured they’re in the hands of a foremost team of Consultant Cardiologists, Geneticists, Nurses, and Radiologists. Their knowledge in cardiovascular genetics is second to none with lead Consultant Cardiologist, Professor Gerry Carr-White, sitting on the NHS national advisory board for inherited and cardiac diseases.

Lead cardiology consultant: Prof Gerald Carr-White

Clinical Nurse Specialist: Tootie Bueser

Cardiothoracic surgeon: Mr Conal Austin

Consultant cardiologist: Dr Michael Cooklin

Consultant pathologist: Prof Anthony Wierzbicki

See a consultant

Book an appointment

Our team can help if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment.