Genetic full cardiac risk test in Chiswick

What the test measures

This panel reads more than 170 genes associated with inherited heart conditions. These include cardiomyopathies, where the heart muscle is thickened, stretched or replaced by scar tissue, inherited heart rhythm conditions such as long QT and Brugada syndrome, and conditions affecting the aorta and other blood vessels.

Your DNA is extracted from a blood sample and compared with reference sequences, so the result describes inherited risk rather than how your heart is working today. It does not replace an ECG, an echocardiogram or a cardiology assessment.

Your price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request. Inherited heart conditions are usually managed by specialist NHS inherited cardiac conditions services, and we recommend discussing any finding with a genetic counsellor or cardiologist.

Who it is for

• A relative died suddenly and unexpectedly at a young age, particularly from a suspected heart cause.
• A family member has been diagnosed with hypertrophic, dilated or arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
• Your family has a known heart rhythm condition such as long QT syndrome.
• A relative has a known variant in a cardiac gene and you would like to know your status.
• You want genetic information to share with a cardiologist alongside heart scans or ECGs.

Understanding your result

Your report shows whether a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant was found, whether any variant of uncertain significance was seen, or whether nothing relevant was detected. A pathogenic variant may mean you and close relatives are offered heart checks, and some people are given advice on exercise, medicines to avoid or treatment.

No variant found does not mean no risk. Some inherited heart conditions are caused by genes that have not yet been identified, so heart scans may still be advised if your family history is strong. Every result is a prompt for discussion with a specialist, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is needed and you can take your usual medicines. Bring any genetic or post-mortem reports from relatives if you have them. This is a planned genetic test, not an emergency check: if you have chest pain, fainting during exercise, palpitations with dizziness or sudden breathlessness, call 999 or go to A&E rather than booking a test.

Cholesterol is a separate part of heart health, and our cholesterol tests measure the fats in your blood today. For other options, see every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a genetic full cardiac risk test in Chiswick?

This test costs £1,045 and covers your blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, sequencing of more than 170 genes at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Can this test tell me if I have heart disease now?

No. It looks at inherited genes and cannot show how your heart is working. A cardiologist uses tests such as an ECG or echocardiogram for that.

My relative died suddenly. Is this the right test?

It can be a useful step, but the NHS inherited cardiac conditions service is often the best place to start, especially if a post-mortem was done. Your practitioner can talk you through this.

Should my children be tested if I carry a variant?

A specialist can advise on testing relatives, including when children might be offered heart checks or genetic testing.