NSGC Genetic Testing and Counseling for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Guideline Summary - Guideline Central
Document Overview

Document Overview

Document Title
Genetic Testing and Counseling for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authoring Society

National Society of Genetic Counselors

Document Publication Date
Nov 1, 2024
Page Last Reviewed/Updated
May 5, 2026
Document Type
Consensus Statement
Country of Publication
United States
Full Text Freely Available
Yes
Full Text Guideline
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jgc4.1993
Source Citation

Miller EM, Brown E, Christian S, Kelly MA, Knight LM, Saberi S, Rigelsky C, Ingles J. Genetic testing and counseling for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: An evidence-based practice resource of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. J Genet Couns. 2024 Nov 1. doi: 10.1002/jgc4.1993. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39484862.


Document Scope, Criteria, and Use Cases

Document Objectives

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common hereditary condition affecting approximately 1 in 500 adults. It is characterized by marked clinical heterogeneity with individuals experiencing minimal to no symptoms, while others may have more severe outcomes including heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Genetic testing for HCM is increasingly available due to advances in DNA sequencing technologies and reduced costs. While a diagnosis of HCM is a well-supported indication for genetic testing and genetic counseling, incorporation of genetic services into the clinical setting is often limited outside of expert centers. As genetic counseling and testing have become more accessible and convenient, optimal integration of genomic data into the clinical care of individuals with HCM should be instituted, including delivery via genetic counseling. Drawing on recommendations from recent disease guidelines and systematic evidence reviews, we highlight key recommendations for HCM genetic testing and counseling. This practice resource provides a comprehensive framework to guide healthcare providers in the process of genetic test selection, variant classification, and cascade testing for genetic evaluation of HCM. Takeaways include: 1) Genetic testing should be offered to all individuals with a suspected or confirmed clinical diagnosis of HCM in the setting of appropriate genetic counseling.. 2) Genetic tests should be selected, ordered, and interpreted in the setting of appropriate genetic counseling. 3) Family screening, including cardiac screening and cascade genetic testing, as appropriate, should be offered to at-risk relatives. Cascade genetic testing should be offered in the setting of appropriate genetic counseling without limitation of age.

Scope
Assessment and Screening, Management
Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D005820 - Genetic Testing

D005817 - Genetic Counseling

D002312 - Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic

D005820 - Genetic Testing

D005817 - Genetic Counseling

D002312 - Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic

Keywords
HCM, cascade testing, genetic testing, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Inclusion Criteria
Male, Female, Adolescent, Adult, Child, Older Adult
Health Care Settings
Ambulatory, Laboratory Services
Intended Users
Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician, Physician Assistant
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