New blood test can detect a range of inherited heart conditions

Conclusion This study aimed to develop a more comprehensive diagnostic test for a wide range of inherited heart conditions. The researchers developed a single test that was able to look at 174 genes known or suspected to cause these conditions. It was quicker and gave better coverage of the genes it looked at than the existing methods it was tested against. Such a test is likely to be very useful when a person is thought to have an inherited heart condition, but it is not known exactly which gene is causing it. It could help doctors to quickly identify the exact cause and start the person on appropriate treatment, and also learn which gene to look at when they assess other family members for the condition. The study covers a broad list of genes known or suspected to cause inherited heart conditions. However, we are still discovering things about the genetics of disease, and as this happens other genes might need to be added to the test. The researchers also noted that their test does not identify all genetic mutations that cause inherited heart conditions. Despite these limitations, the test seems to give good coverage of the currently known genes. According to the media, this has already been put into practice at the Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, where some of the study researchers work. Whether the test is actually being routinely used in people suspected of having such a condition, or just as part of the ongoing research to further develop ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Heart/lungs Genetics/stem cells Medical practice Source Type: news