Cardiovascular Genetics for Clinicians

This accessible handbook aims to help decision-making in cardiovascular patients with a potentially inherited disease. First of all, the basics of molecular cardiology are introduced, followed by contributions of molecular geneticists and clinical geneticists, to show the disciplines involved in DNA diagnostics. Clinicians from around the globe discuss the relevance of genetics for their field of interest covering atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias. In addition, some rare but relevant connective tissue diseases are covered. In all the chapters the importance of DNA dianostics are categorized. This varies from the notion that a disease is inherited without information on genetics (Category F), to diseases where the exact location of the molecular defect determines the therapy (Category A). This simple classification is provided for the known inherited diseases to help the physician on how to advise and direct the patients. This is not a textbook for geneticists, but a practical guide for clinicians. In addition, the chapters give insight in etiology, pathophysiology and treatment of inherited cardiovascular diseases.