2011 HRS/EHRA Expert Consensus Statement on the State of Genetic Testing for the Channelopathies and Cardiomyopathies

 This document has been retired and replaced by 2022 EHRA/HRS/APHRS/LAHRS Expert Consensus Statement on the State of Genetic Testing for Cardiac Diseases.

August 1, 2011—Genetic testing is increasingly important in determining potential cardiac conditions in patients and is used in clinical settings more than ever before. To ensure that physicians have up-to-date knowledge of the evolving role of genetic testing for sudden death predisposing, genetic heart diseases in cardiology, which can be lifesaving for some patients, the Heart Rhythm Society and the European Heart Rhythm Association have partnered on the development of this expert consensus statement.

The Heart Rhythm Society and the European Heart Rhythm Association formed an international writing group in order to evaluate the use and role of genetic testing for potentially heritable cardiac conditions, based on the analysis of literature and their own experience in treating patients. The statement focuses primarily on the state of genetic testing for 13 distinct entities and the relative diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic impact of the genetic test result for each entity. The statement is directed to all health care professionals who are involved with genetic testing for channelopathies and cardiomyopathies.