Tests to look at your heart rhythm and function are performed to check if your family members have the same heart disease. These tests are usually organised by a cardiologist, but can also speak to your GP. These tests usually include an electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). A cardiologist will also examine you and take your medical history.

Genetic testing aims to identify a change in your DNA that has lead to your heart condition. Genes make up the coding manual by which our physical features are decided – like height, and hair colour. Genes also decide how our bodies will function, and so a change in a gene may cause a disease. Genetic testing can sometimes identify these changes, and whether the change might have a negative impact on your health.

If we can identify the genetic change in your family, then this information can be used to test other at-risk family members. If they also have this genetic change, then they are at risk of developing disease in the future, and their close relatives have a 1 in 2 chance of also inheriting the genetic change. If a relative does not have the genetic change, they do not need any further heart checks and cannot pass this on to their children. This type of genetic testing is called cascade genetic testing and is very helpful in a family.