Genetics and Cardiomyopathy: Addressing Key Patient Questions

Genetic cardiomyopathies require a management approach that differs from traditional heart failure care. Patients may have normal ventricular function yet remain at risk for arrhythmia, disease progression, and sudden cardiac death.

This case-based session focuses on how genetic information changes real-world clinical decisions—from surveillance and risk communication to medical therapy, ICD selection, and referral for emerging gene-targeted therapies and clinical trials.

Learning Objectives

• Use genotype-informed strategies to guide risk stratification and surveillance in genetic cardiomyopathies.
• Integrate genetic results into treatment decisions, including pharmacologic therapy and primary prevention ICD placement.
• Recognize candidates for gene-targeted therapies and precision clinical trials, and appropriately counsel patients and families.