Legal aspects of genetic testing in the evaluation of ventricular tachycardias

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

There is increasing knowledge of the genetic basis of distinct cardiac pathologies that are related to ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT) and sudden cardiac death (SCD). The identification of genes responsible for inherited cardiac diseases has led to the organization of cardiogenetic consultations in many countries worldwide. The 2022 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for the management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of SCD and the international 2022 Expert Consensus Statement on the state of genetic testing for cardiac diseases emphasize the importance of genetic testing in cardiology practice along with appropriate information provision to affected individuals and their relatives. However, the context of genetic examination raises particular ethical, practical (including economic or financial), and legal challenges. This review aims to elucidate practical considerations related to legal aspects relevant for the evaluation of patients presenting with VT in Germany.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)205-211
Number of pages7
JournalHerzschrittmachertherapie + Elektrophysiologie
Volume34
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85166319454

Keywords

Keywords

  • Humans, Arrhythmias, Cardiac, Death, Sudden, Cardiac/prevention & control, Genetic Testing, Heart Diseases, Tachycardia, Ventricular/diagnosis