HeartCare: A Cardiovascular Genomics Study

HeartCare logo with stethoscope

In collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine cardiologists, the Human Genome Sequencing Center Clinical Laboratory has developed HeartCare™, a custom test targeting genes that influence risk for cardiovascular disease and related conditions. Adults between the ages of 18-85 years may participate in this cardiovascular disease study.

According to a study presented at a recent American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) meeting, about one healthy person in twenty has a risk for a hereditary cardiovascular disease (CVD) with established management guidelines.1 Identifying these genetic risks for cardiovascular diseases may lead to personalized treatment and better outcomes.2 Additionally, because inherited heart conditions can run in families, relatives of participants who show a risk for a hereditary CVD may identify underlying conditions for earlier detection and seek proactive care.

The HeartCare™ panel analyzes 158 genes associated with a risk for CVD and related conditions, including aortic aneurysms, cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias and hypercholesterolemia. The test also examines an individual's genetic risk for sensitivity to certain prescribed medications including clopidogrel, warfarin and statins.


1 Haverfield, E. (2018). Multigene panel screening for hereditary disease risk in healthy individuals. ACMG Annual Meeting Charlotte, NC.

2 Roberts, R. (2018). Genetic Risk Stratification: Tipping Point for Global Primary Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease. Circulation 137, 2554-2556.