Cardiac Genetic Testing

Risk for certain heart and vascular conditions can be genetic, meaning that it can be passed down through family. These conditions can often start long before symptoms ever appear. Genetic testing offers a powerful head start, using a simple blood or saliva test to help protect you and your family. 

At Westchester Medical Center, the flagship hospital of WMCHealth, we offer one of two cardiovascular genetic testing programs in the region. You don’t need to travel far for answers—this advanced care is right here in the Hudson Valley. 

Conditions Evaluated Through Cardiovascular Genetic Testing at WMCHealth 

We offer testing for several types of inherited conditions, including but not limited to conditions that can affect your heart’s electrical signals or the way your heart muscle works. When this happens, your heart may not beat regularly or pump blood as well as it should. 

Cardiac Channelopathies 

Common conditions that affect how your heart’s electrical system works include: 

• Long QT syndrome is a result of abnormal recharging of the heart between heartbeats, which can result in abnormal heart rhythms and can lead to fainting or dizziness. 
• Brugada syndrome may cause dangerous heart rhythms, often during rest or sleep, and can sometimes cause the heart to stop suddenly. 
• Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) triggers irregular heartbeats during exercise or strong emotions, which can cause dizziness, fainting, or in rare cases, collapse. 

Cardiac Cardiomyopathies 

Common conditions that affect the structure and strength of your heart muscle include: 

• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) makes your heart muscle stretch and weaken, which can reduce how well your heart pumps blood through your body. 
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) causes the heart muscle to become thick, which can make it harder for your heart to pump blood normally. 

Our Approach to Inherited Heart Conditions 

At WMCHealth, we understand that your genes play a powerful role in heart health—and so does personalized care. Your team may include cardiologists, genetic counselors, and imaging specialists, all working together with one goal: you. Together, we’ll create a care plan as unique as your genetic blueprint. 

Related Cardiac Testing You May Receive 

If you already have a heart condition, genetic testing can uncover the “why” behind it. If you don’t, it can help spot risks before they become problems. As part of your evaluation, your care team may also order other heart tests to evaluate your heart’s rhythm or structure. 

These tests provide a more complete picture of your heart health and help guide next steps. 

Learn More About Cardiac Testing