2023-2024 Cardiovascular Institute Annual Report CVI | Page 23

CARDIOGENOMICS

The cardiogenomics program within the UAB Cardiovascular Institute ( CVI ) is staffed by physicians and clinical professionals with extensive expertise in treating and managing the full range of hereditary heart conditions . We provide comprehensive genetic counseling and testing , employ the latest medications and devices , and offer numerous specialized procedures . Our team adopts a collaborative approach , bringing together multiple specialists to address the unique needs of each patient and family member affected by inherited cardiac disease .
CARDIOGENOMICS
UAB ’ s cardiogenomics program features :
• Unparalleled expertise
• A dedicated , interdisciplinary team of specialists
• Family-focused care model
• Individualized treatment plans
• Customized and flexible communication
• Important contributions to research
• Special programs for patients with conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy , amyloidosis , arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy , long QT syndrome , and more
• Extensive network of specialists
Our program was the first in the Southeast to implement the CAD-PRS ( Coronary Artery Disease Polygenic Risk Score ) as part of our comprehensive approach to patient care . This has helped revolutionize our ability to assess and predict an individual ’ s genetic risk for coronary artery disease ( CAD ). This groundbreaking implementation enables us to provide patients in the Southeast with access to advanced genetic risk evaluation , allowing for more precise and personalized cardiovascular care .
In the span of just one year , our Cardiogenomics Clinic has seen a remarkable surge in patient numbers , with a doubling of our patient volume from 2022 to 2023 , and it now serves over 100 patients diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy ( HCM ). Notably , among these HCM patients , more than 60 who have hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy ( HOCM ) are benefiting from mavacamten , an innovative myosin inhibitor treatment . This substantial increase underscores the clinic ’ s reputation for delivering outstanding care in the management of inherited cardiomyopathies . As the foremost clinic in the Southeast specializing in HCM , we take pride in our national recognition for managing the highest number of veterans with HOCM on mavacamten , a treatment that has demonstrated exceptional efficacy in enhancing patients ’ quality of life .
Moreover , our steadfast commitment to inherited cardiomyopathies has earned acknowledgment from a remarkable initiative , leading to the receipt of the largest grant in medical education toward advancing genetic cardiomyopathy education in the Southeast . This substantial funding represents a pioneering step in leveraging digital innovation for HCM education , significantly bolstering our expansive educational and research programs aimed at enhancing awareness of HCM in the region . This grant is a testament to the outstanding efforts being made and solidifies our dedication to enhancing comprehensive clinical care and pushing boundaries in research and education . It aligns perfectly with the academic mission of the UAB CVI , emphasizing our commitment to excellence in patient care and education within the field of genetic cardiomyopathies . uabmedicine . org / referCVI 21