Quality of life and psychological distress in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutation carriers: A cross-sectional cohort study

Cascade genetic counseling and testing in hereditary syndromes: inherited cardiovascular disease as a model: a narrative review

Inherited cardiovascular diseases cover the inherited cardiovascular disease familial hypercholesterolemia and inherited cardiac diseases, like inherited cardiomyopathies and inherited arrhythmia syndromes. Cascade genetic counseling and testing in inherited cardiovascular diseases have had three decades of academic attention. Inherited cardiovascular diseases affect around 1-2% of the population worldwide and cascade genetic counseling and testing are considered valuable since preventive measures and/or treatments are available. Cascade genetic counseling via a family-mediated approach leads to an uptake of genetic counseling and testing among at-risk relatives of around 40% one year after identification of the causal variant in the proband, with uptake remaining far from complete on the long-term. These findings align with uptake rates among relatives at-risk for other late onset medically actionable hereditary diseases, like hereditary cancer syndromes. Previous interventions to increase uptake have focused on optimizing the process of informing relatives through the proband and on contacting relatives directly. However, despite successful information dissemination to at-risk relatives, these approaches had little or no effect on uptake. The limited research into the barriers that impede at-risk relatives from seeking counseling has revealed knowledge, attitudinal, social and practical barriers but it remains unknown how these factors contribute to the decision-making process for seeking counseling in at-risk relatives. A significant effect on uptake of genetic testing has only been reached in the setting of familial hypercholesterolemia, where active information provision was accompanied by a reduction of health-system-related barriers. We propose that more research is needed on barriers -including health-system-related barriers- and how they hinder counseling and testing in at-risk relatives, so that uptake can be optimized by (adjusted) interventions.

Are disease-specific patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) used in cardiogenetics? A systematic review

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used to facilitate patient-centered care (PCC). While studies in patients with cardiac conditions have revealed poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and elevated emotional stress, studies in inherited cardiac conditions (ICC) seem rare. A systematic review evaluated which (specific domains of) PROMs are used in patients with ICC. From three databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, and Web of Science) quantitative studies investigating PROMs in patients with ICC were included. A Cochrane-based assessment tool was used to evaluate quality and potential risk of bias per subdomain. Data from 17 eligible articles were extracted. Among the included studies, risk of bias was predominantly high (35%) or unclear (30%). Most (n = 14) studies used a generic health status measure (SF-36, SF-12); 3 studies used a disease-specific PROM (KCCQ- cardiomyopathy and MLFHQ-heart failure). In addition to HRQoL measures, several studies used affective psychological measures (i.e., HADS, CAQ-18, IES-R, and IPQ). The mental health component of the PROMs showed lower scores overall in patients with ICC compared to population norms. Nine studies using HADS and GAD-7/PHQ-9 showed a prevalence of clinically significant anxiety (17-47%) and depression levels (8.3-28%) that were higher than the population norm (8.3% and 6.3%, respectively). HRQoL in patients with ICC is primarily assessed with generic PROMs. Results further confirmed high psychological morbidity in this population. Generic PROMS measures evaluate overall health status, but lack sensitivity to ICC-specific factors like heredity-related concerns. We propose developing a PROM specific for ICC to optimize PCC.

Patient Involvement in Care, Psychosocial Outcomes, and Quality of Life in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Pilot Study

This cross-sectional study evaluated the impact of patient involvement in care (PIC) on psychosocial outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (n = 34). Patients with low-to-moderate PIC were older than those with high PIC (66.8 years vs 57.3 years; P = 0.04). PIC was negatively correlated with depressive symptoms (r = -0.39; P = 0.02) and positively correlated with heart-focused attention (r = 0.39; P = 0.02). No significant correlations were observed between PIC and HRQoL. Greater PIC was associated with reduced depressive symptoms but increased cardiac anxiety. Future studies should investigate the relationship between PIC and HRQoL in a larger cohort.

Quality of life and societal costs in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: protocol of the AFFECT-HCM study

BACKGROUND

Ever since the first description of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common genetic cardiac disease, tremendous progress has been made in the evaluation and management of HCM patients, but little attention has been focused on the impact of HCM on societal costs and quality of life (QoL).

AIMS

This paper describes the study protocol for the AFFECT-HCM study into burden of disease (BoD), which aims to estimate health-related QoL and societal costs in HCM patients and genotype-positive phenotype-negative (G+/P-) relatives during a one-year follow-up study, and relate this to the phenotypical HCM expression.

METHODS

A total of 400 Dutch HCM patients and 100 G+/P- subjects will be followed for one year in a prospective, multi-centre, prevalence-based BoD study. Societal costs will be measured via a bottom-up approach using the cost questionnaires iMCQ and iPCQ. For QoL, the generic EQ-5D-5L and disease-specific Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire will be used. QoL and societal costs will be compared with phenotype-specific HCM characteristics and other determinants to identify factors that influence BoD. Accelerometry will test the correlation between BoD and physical activity.

CONCLUSION

The AFFECT-HCM study will evaluate the BoD in HCM patients and G+/P- subjects to improve the understanding of the societal and economic impact of HCM.

Risk of incident mental disorders in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a nationwide propensity-matched study

AIMS

We sought to determine the risk of mental disorders in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) compared with those without HCM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This is a retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study using nationwide population-based data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service. Overall, 4046 patients with HCM and 12138 matched individuals were followed up until the first diagnosis of mental disorders or the end of the follow up. The primary outcome was a composite of incident mood, anxiety, stress-related, or somatoform disorders. Secondary outcomes included two components of the primary outcome (i.e. mood disorders and anxiety/stress-related/somatoform disorders). During a median follow-up period of 4.1 years, the incidence rate of the primary outcome was 54.4 and 31.5/1000 person-years among the HCM and control groups, respectively, resulting in a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.719 (95% confidence interval: 1.589-1.860). Within the first month after HCM diagnosis, the HR for the primary outcome was 3.074 (2.096-4.508). Beyond 1 month, the HRs decreased, ranging from 2.281 (1.952-2.665) during 1-12 months, to 2.087 (1.831-2.380) during 12-36 months and 1.258 (1.090-1.452) after 36 months of follow up. Similar results were observed for the secondary outcomes. In sensitivity analysis, the risk of the specific categories of mental disorders, including single or recurrent depressive episodes and anxiety disorders, was also higher in patients with HCM than matched controls.

CONCLUSION

HCM was significantly associated with the risk of incident mental disorders, particularly within 1 year after HCM diagnosis, underscoring the importance of screening mental health problems, including mood and anxiety disorders, in patients with HCM.

Prevalence and Disease Expression of Pathogenic and Likely Pathogenic Variants Associated With Inherited Cardiomyopathies in the General Population

BACKGROUND

Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are recommended to be reported as secondary findings in genome sequencing studies. This provides opportunities for early diagnosis, but also fuels uncertainty in variant carriers (G+), since disease penetrance is incomplete. We assessed the prevalence and disease expression of G+ in the general population.

METHODS

We identified pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants associated with ARVC, DCM and/or HCM in 200 643 UK Biobank individuals, who underwent whole exome sequencing. We calculated the prevalence of G+ and analyzed the frequency of cardiomyopathy/heart failure diagnosis. In undiagnosed individuals, we analyzed early signs of disease expression using available electrocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging data.

RESULTS

We found a prevalence of 1:578, 1:251, and 1:149 for pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants associated with ARVC, DCM and HCM respectively. Compared with controls, cardiovascular mortality was higher in DCM G+ (odds ratio 1.67 [95% CI 1.04; 2.59], P=0.030), but similar in ARVC and HCM G+ (P≥0.100). Cardiomyopathy or heart failure diagnosis were more frequent in DCM G+ (odds ratio 3.66 [95% CI 2.24; 5.81], P=4.9×10^-7) and HCM G+ (odds ratio 3.03 [95% CI 1.98; 4.56], P=5.8×10^-7), but comparable in ARVC G+ (P=0.172). In contrast, ARVC G+ had more ventricular arrhythmias (P=3.3×10^-4). In undiagnosed individuals, left ventricular ejection fraction was reduced in DCM G+ (P=0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

In the general population, pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants associated with ARVC, DCM, or HCM are not uncommon. Although G+ have increased mortality and morbidity, disease penetrance in these carriers from the general population remains low (1.2-3.1%). Follow-up decisions in case of incidental findings should not be based solely on a variant, but on multiple factors, including family history and disease expression.

The uptake and utility of genetic testing and genetic counseling for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-A systematic review and meta-analysis

Genetic testing and genetic counseling are routinely indicated for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); however, the uptake and utility of these services is not entirely understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the uptake and utility of genetic counseling and genetic testing for patients with HCM and their at-risk family members, as well as the impact of genetic counseling/testing on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). A systematic search was performed through March 12, 2021. Meta-analyses were performed whenever possible; other findings were qualitatively summarized. Forty-eight studies met inclusion criteria (47 observational, 1 randomized). Uptake of genetic testing in probands was 57% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 40, 73). Uptake of cascade screening for at-risk relatives were as follows: 61% for cascade genetic testing (95% CI: 45, 75), 58% for cardiac screening (e.g. echocardiography) (95% CI: 40, 73), and 69% for either/both approaches (95% CI: 43, 87). In addition, relatives of probands with a positive genetic test result were significantly more likely to undergo cascade screening compared to relatives of probands with a negative result (odds ratio = 3.17, 95% CI: 2.12, 4.76). Overall, uptake of genetic counseling in both probands and relatives ranged from 37% to 84%. Multiple studies found little difference in PROs between individuals receiving positive versus negative genetic test results; however, other studies found that individuals with positive genetic test results experienced worse psychological outcomes. Genetic testing may also inform life choices, particularly decisions related to reproduction and insurance. Genetic counseling was associated with high satisfaction, increased perceived personal control and empowerment, and decreased anxiety. Approximately half to three-quarters of patients with HCM and their relatives undergo genetic testing or cascade screening. PROs after genetic testing varied and genetic counseling was associated with high satisfaction and improved PROs.

Quality of life and physical functioning in black and white adults with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common and clinically heterogeneous inherited cardiac disease. Quality of life (QOL) and physical functioning are important clinically but are underexplored in diverse populations with HCM.

OBJECTIVES

To examine predictors for and compare QOL and physical functioning in Black and White adults with HCM.

METHODS

We analyzed a sub-sample from a longitudinal prospective study on HCM. Eligibility criteria included self-identified Black and White adults (≥18 years) with clinical HCM. QOL was measured with the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLWHF);physical functioning included age-adjusted exercise capacity and NYHA class. Covariates included HCM structural characteristics and common comorbidities. We analyzed data from 434 individuals, 57 (13.1%) of whom self-identified as Black/African American.

RESULTS

In this sample, the Black cohort had higher MLWHF scores, 31.2 (27.2) v. 23.9 (22.1), p=0.042, signifying worse QOL, but there were no intergroup differences when QOL was dichotomized. Mean metabolic equivalents (METs) on symptom-limited stress testing were similar, though the Black cohort was younger, 54.6 (13.4) v.62.5 (14.8) years, p=0.001. No one from the Black cohort achieved an "excellent-for-age" exercise capacity, and 64.1% had a "below-average-for-age" exercise capacity vs 47% in the White cohort, though this was not statistically significant, p=0.058. There was no difference between groups in advanced NYHA class. Female gender was associated with worse QOL and physical functioning irrespective of covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is a starting point that underscores the need for a more comprehensive examination of well-being and physical functioning in Black populations with HCM.

Longitudinal Psychometric Analysis of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Symptom Questionnaire (HCMSQ) Using Outcomes from the Phase III EXPLORER-HCM Trial

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) symptoms include shortness of breath (SOB), fatigue, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, and fainting. The HCM Symptom Questionnaire (HCMSQ), the only patient-reported outcome instrument designed to specifically measure HCM symptoms, yields four domain scores (SOB, tiredness, cardiovascular symptoms, syncope) and a total score. We evaluated the longitudinal psychometric properties of the HCMSQ using baseline to week 30 data from the phase III EXPLORER-HCM trial (NCT03470545).

METHODS

Test-retest reliability was assessed via intraclass correlation of patients with stable Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) and Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGIS) responses. Sensitivity to change was assessed via Spearman correlations with the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-23) and the EuroQoL visual analogue scale (EQ VAS), and via one-way ANOVA comparing change groups defined on clinical (New York Heart Association [NYHA] class, left ventricular outflow tract [LVOT] gradient, peak oxygen consumption [pVO₂]) and patient-reported (PGIS, PGIC) variables. Meaningful change thresholds were established via PGIC/PGIS.

RESULTS

All HCMSQ scores showed strong evidence of test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.70). Sensitivity to change was demonstrated with mostly strong/moderate correlations with KCCQ-23 and EQ VAS, and significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in PGIS, PGIC, pVO₂, and NYHA (except tiredness domain) change categories, but not LVOT gradient. Clinically meaningful score reductions were ≥1 point for tiredness and cardiovascular symptoms domains, ≥ 2.5 points for SOB domain, and ≥2 points for total score.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that HCMSQ is fit for purpose in capturing HCM symptoms and may provide evidence of treatment benefit from the patients' perspectives.

Health-related quality of life in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators in Sweden: a cross-sectional observational trial

OBJECTIVES

Decisions regarding implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) must consider information about presumed health-related quality of life (HRQL). The purpose of the study was to assess HRQL in patients with ICD and compare it to a Swedish age-matched and sex-matched population.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional observational trial.

SETTING

Swedish ICD cohort.

INTERVENTIONS

Short form 36 (SF-36) questionnaires from ICD recipients implanted 2007-2017 (response rate 77.2%) were analysed using Mann-Whitney U test and effect size (ES).

RESULTS

In total, 223 patients (mean age 71.1±9.7 years, 82.1% men) were included. In most SF-36 domains (physical functioning (PF), role physical, general health (GH), vitality, social functioning and mental health), the score for patients with ICD was significantly lower (ES range 0.23-0.41, ie, small difference) than norms, except for bodily pain and role emotional. Both the physical component summary (PCS) and the mental component summary (MCS) scores had ES=0.31. Men and women had similar scores. Primary and secondary prevention patients scored similarly, except for worse GH in primary prevention (p=0.016, ES=0.35). Atrial fibrillation was associated with worse PF (ES=0.41) and PCS (ES=0.38). Appropriate therapy, inappropriate shock or complications requiring surgery were not associated with lower scores in any domain. In primary prevention due to ischaemic versus non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy, no domain was significantly different. PCS decreased with higher age strata (p=0.002) in contrast to MCS (p=0.986).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ICDs have lower physical and mental HRQL than age-matched and sex-matched norms; however, the ESs are small. HRQL is similar regardless of sex, primary/secondary prevention indication, appropriate therapy, inappropriate shock or complications, but decreases with advancing age.

Association Between Depression and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is considered to be the most common cause of sudden death in young people and is associated with an elevated risk of mood disorders. Depression has emerged as a critical risk factor for development and progression of coronary artery disease; however, the association between depression and HCM outcomes is less clear. We sought to examine the impact of depression on clinical outcomes in patients with HCM.

Methods and Results

Between January 2014 and December 2017, 820 patients with HCM were recruited and followed for an average of 4.2 years. End points were defined as sudden cardiac death (SCD) events and HCM‐related heart failure events. A Chinese version of the Structured Clinical Interview followed the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition and was used to diagnose depression. During the follow‐up period, SCD events occurred in 75 individuals (21.8 per 1000 person‐years), and HCM‐related heart failure events developed in 149 individuals (43.3 per 1000 person‐years). Kaplan–Meier cumulative incidence curves showed a significant association of depression disorders with SCD events (log‐rank P=0.001) and HCM‐related heart failure events (log‐rank P=0.005). A multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that depression was an independent predictor of SCD events and HCM‐related heart failure events (41.9 versus 21.7 per 1000 person‐years; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.9; 95% CI, 1.6–2.3; P<0.001; and 69.9 versus 38.6 per 1000 person‐years; HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.6–2.1; P<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Depression is common among patients with HCM. The diagnosis of depression is significantly and independently associated with an increased risk of SCD events and heart failure events in patients with HCM.

Patient experiences with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a conceptual model of symptoms and impacts on quality of life

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a primary myocardial disorder defined by left ventricular hypertrophy that cannot be explained by another cardiac or systemic disease. There is a general lack of knowledge about patients’ perspectives on the symptoms and day-to-day limitations they experience as a result of HCM. We therefore sought an in-depth understanding of patients’ experiences of obstructive (oHCM) and nonobstructive (nHCM) forms of the disease, including symptoms and their quality of life impacts, and to develop a conceptual model to capture them.

Methods

Development of the HCM conceptual model involved a web-based survey to capture patients’ insights, a targeted literature review (which included relevant guidelines and patient advocacy websites), one-to-one interviews with clinical experts, and one-to-one qualitative concept elicitation interviews with patients. Key symptoms and their impacts most important to patients’ experiences were identified and used to develop a conceptual model of the patient experience with HCM.

Results

The HCM symptoms reported by patient interviewees (n = 27) were largely consistent with findings from the patient web survey (n = 444), literature review, and interviews with three expert clinicians. The symptoms most commonly reported in patient interviews included tiredness (89%), shortness of breath (89%), shortness of breath with physical activity (89%), and dizziness/light-headedness (89%). Other symptoms commonly reported included chest pain (angina) (70%), chest pain (angina) with physical exertion (70%), and palpitations (fluttering or rapid heartbeat) (81%). The most commonly reported impacts of HCM symptoms on patients’ lives included limitations to physical activities (78%), emotional impacts, including feeling anxious or depressed (78%), and impacts on work (63%). Symptoms and impacts were similar for both oHCM and nHCM.

Conclusions

A conceptual model was developed, which identifies the core symptoms that patients with oHCM and nHCM reported as most frequent and most important: shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue/tiredness, dizziness/light-headedness, and chest pain, as well as the impacts those symptoms have on patients’ lives. This HCM conceptual model reflecting patients’ experiences and perspectives was used in the development of a patient-reported outcomes instrument for use in clinical trials and it may also help inform the clinical management of HCM.

Quality of life status determinants in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as evaluated by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire

Purpose

The present study evaluated how heart failure (HF) negatively impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients and explored the major clinical determinants associated with HRQoL impairment in this population.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional single-center study of health-related HRQoL that included 91 consecutive patients with HCM. Evaluation was performed based on a comprehensive protocol that included the recommended diagnostic studies, as well as administration of the translated validated version of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) (CV Outcomes Inc) as a health status measure.

Results

The cohort included 52 (57%) males, median age 58 (20–85) years. The median global KCCQ score was 67 (12.5–100) corresponding to a moderate impairment in HRQoL. There was an inverse correlation between the median global KCCQ score and NYHA class (Kendall’s tau b coefficient r − 0.33, p = 0.001). Patients with pulmonary hypertension (PHT), defined as resting pulmonary artery systolic pressure of ≥ 45 mmHg, presented a significantly worse HRQoL as compared to those without PHT (median KCCQ score 56.2 vs 77.5, p = 0.013). The KCCQ score mildly correlated with age (r − 0.18, p = 0.014), history of syncope (r − 0.18, p = 0.045), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (r 0.31, p < 0.001), plasmatic creatinine (r − 0.18, p = 0.017) and urea levels (r − 0.27, p < 0.001), left ventricular (LV) end-systolic dimensions (r − 0.18, p = 0.014), maximal provoked intraventricular gradient (r 0.20, p = 0.039), LV ejection fraction (r 0.15, p = 0.04), average E/e′ (r − 0.16, p = 0.039), pulmonary acceleration time (r 0.21, p = 0.007), pulmonary artery systolic pressure (r − 0.20, p = 0.016). In ordinal regression, the independent predictors of HRQoL were NYHA class and eGFR.

Conclusions

Patients with HCM and HF present a moderate degree of alteration in HRQoL. This is especially true for patients with PHT and more severe functional impairment. Renal failure and NYHA class are potential markers of HRQoL in clinical practice.

Palpitation was associated with clinical outcomes in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common genetic heart disease with diversified clinical presentation and it is important to identify new predictors of clinical outcomes and survival in HCM patients. In our study, 206 HCM patients were compared with respect to major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. By multivariable logistic analysis, we determined that palpitation, together with chronic heart failure (CHF) > 1 year, was an independent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE) in HCM patients (OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.60–6.57, P = 0.001). Specially, palpitation was related to higher prevalence of rehospitalization (OR 3.86, 95% CI 2.08–7.08, P < 0.001), cardiac death (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.05–8.32, P = 0.04) and heart failure exacerbation (OR 4.07, 95% CI 2.04–8.13, P < 0.001). However, patients presented with palpitation did not show a significantly different cardiac phenotype and function. Finally, palpitation predicted a poor prognosis in HCM patients without atrial fibrillation by utilizing Kaplan–Meier analysis (P = 0.041). In conclusion, palpitation could be a new predictor of clinical outcomes and overall survival in HCM patients.

Psychological Issues in Managing Families with Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases

The field of cardiovascular genetic counseling has evolved dramatically in recent years largely to manage the unique psychological needs of the inherited cardiovascular disease patient population. For many, there can be difficulty in coming to terms with a diagnosis, whether it be adjusting to lifestyle recommendations such as exclusion from competitive sports or living with a small but remarkable risk of sudden cardiac death. For those considered at risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, the decision to have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator can be difficult. Living with the device, especially for those who are young and those who receive multiple shocks, can precipitate psychological distress and poor adaptation to the device. Family members who experience a sudden cardiac death of a young relative have a significant risk of poor psychological outcomes. The roles of the cardiac genetic counselor in facilitating patients' adaptation to their diagnoses and management and recognizing when additional support from a clinical psychologist is needed are key to ensuring families receive the best possible care.

The Multifaced Perspectives of Genetic Testing in Pediatric Cardiomyopathies and Channelopathies

Pediatric inherited cardiomyopathies (CMPs) and channelopathies (CNPs) remain important causes of death in this population, therefore, there is a need for prompt diagnosis and tailored treatment. Conventional evaluation fails to establish the diagnosis of pediatric CMPs and CNPs in a significant proportion, prompting further, more complex testing to make a diagnosis that could influence the implementation of lifesaving strategies. Genetic testing in CMPs and CNPs may help unveil the underlying cause, but needs to be carried out with caution given the lack of uniform recommendations in guidelines about the precise time to start the genetic evaluation or the type of targeted testing or whole-genome sequencing. A very diverse etiology and the scarce number of randomized studies of pediatric CMPs and CNPs make genetic testing of these maladies far more particular than their adult counterpart. The genetic diagnosis is even more puzzling if the psychological impact point of view is taken into account. This review aims to put together different perspectives, state-of-the art recommendations-synthetizing the major indications from European and American guidelines-and psychosocial outlooks to construct a comprehensive genetic assessment of pediatric CMPs and CNPs.

A Person-Centered Approach to Cardiovascular Genetic Testing

Cardiovascular genetic counselors provide guidance to people facing the reality or prospect of inherited cardiovascular conditions. Key activities in this role include discussing clinical cardiac screening for at-risk family members and offering genetic testing. Psychological factors often influence whether patients choose to have genetic testing and how they understand and communicate the results to at-risk relatives, so psychological counseling increases the impact of genetic education and medical recommendations. This work reviews the literature on the factors that influence patient decisions about cardiovascular genetic testing and the psychological impact of results on people who opt to test. It also models use of a psychological framework to apply themes from the literature to routine cardiovascular genetic counseling practice. Modifications of the framework are provided to show how it can be adapted to serve the needs of both new and experienced genetic counselors.

How Patient Perceptions Shape Responses and Outcomes in Inherited Cardiac Conditions

At least one-third of adults living with an inherited cardiac condition report clinically-significant levels of psychological distress. Poorer health-related quality of life compared with population norms is also consistently reported. These outcomes are associated with younger patient age, having an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, and receipt of uncertain clinical test results, and can influence self-management behaviours, such as adherence to potentially critical life-preserving medications. According to the Common Sense Model of Illness, people use information from multiple sources to 'make sense' of their health condition, and how they conceptualise the condition can strongly influence adaptation and coping responses. Previous studies with people with inherited cardiac conditions show that illness perceptions, such as greater perceived consequences and a poorer understanding of the condition, are associated with greater psychological distress and poorer adherence to medication. The Common Sense Model provides one potential framework for identifying patients who may be more vulnerable to adverse health outcomes, and for developing early interventions to reduce the physical and psychosocial burden of these conditions. Interventions based on the Common Sense Model have successfully improved physical and psychosocial outcomes associated with other cardiac conditions, and could be tailored for use with patients with an inherited cardiac condition (ICC).

A Systematic Review of the Psychological Implications of Genetic Testing: A Comparative Analysis Among Cardiovascular, Neurodegenerative and Cancer Diseases

Background: Genetic testing is performed for different purposes, such as identifying carriers, predicting a disease onset in presymptomatic individuals or confirming a diagnosis. However, these tests may have notable psychological effects, such as generating anxiety and depression. These effects may depend on people's perception of risk, severity, and controllability of the disease; and the availability of treatments. To date, there are no reports that analyze these factors specifically, and their role in influencing genetic test users' experience. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the psychological implication of undergoing genetic testing for cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and cancer diseases. Articles were searched on PubMed, Google Scholar, and PsychInfo. Results: 47 studies were included, 9 concerning cardiovascular disease, 18 neurodegenerative disorders, and 20 for cancer disease. According to the reviewed studies, people experience no significant increase in distress and anxiety, or adverse impacts on quality of life, except the Huntington disease, which is characterized by depressive symptoms, suicidal ideations, and hopelessness in gene carriers. People tend to consider genetic tests as valid information to take important preventive decisions. Genetic risk for cardiovascular disease is perceived to be manageable; genetic analysis for some neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer) or cancer (breast cancer in particular) is considered useful because the problem could be addressed in advance with preventive behaviors. Conclusions: Genetic tests should be proposed along with proper psychological support and counseling focused on users' genetic health literacy; perception of risk, beliefs about disease controllability, in order to foster fruitful medical decisions.

Lifestyle Modification and Medical Management of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heterogenous condition associated with a myriad of symptoms. Just as in other disease states, the aim of medical therapy is the alleviation of suffering, improvement of longevity, and the prevention of complications. This article focuses on the associated comorbidities seen in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, potential lifestyle interventions, and conventional medical treatments for symptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Examining the Psychosocial Impact of Genetic Testing for Cardiomyopathies

Inherited cardiomyopathies, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), are the most common monogenic cause of cardiac disease and can rarely lead to sudden cardiac death (SCD). They are characterized by incomplete and age-dependent penetrance and are usually initially symptomatic in adulthood yet can present in childhood as well. Over 20 genes have been identified to cause HCM, and more than 40 genes are known to cause DCM. Genetic testing for these genes has been integrated into medical care; however, the psychological impact of genetic testing and the impact of the uncertainty that comes with receiving these results have not been well studied. This study surveyed 90 adult probands and relatives with a personal or family history of cardiomyopathy from a single hospital-based cardiac genetic program to determine the psychosocial impact of genetic testing for cardiomyopathies. Standardized psychological instruments including an adapted Multidimensional Impact of Cancer Risk Assessment (aMICRA), Impact of Event Scale (IES), and Satisfaction with Decision (SWD) scales were utilized. Patients with positive genetic test results had higher scores for intrusive thoughts, avoidance, and distress when compared to those with negative genetic test results and were also more likely to make or plan to make life changes because of the results of their genetic testing. Satisfaction with the decision to undergo genetic testing was similar regardless of genetic test results. The results of this study provide insight into the patient experience of genetic testing for cardiomyopathies and how these experiences are associated with genetic test results and cardiac history.

Development of a communication aid for explaining hypertrophic cardiomyopathy genetic test results

Background

Large gene panels are now commonplace for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), increasing the yield of uncertain genetic findings. Few resources exist which aim to facilitate communication of HCM genetic test results. We sought to develop, pilot, and refine a communication aid for probands receiving HCM genetic test results.

Methods

Development was a multi-step process involving expertise of a multidisciplinary team, literature review, and empirical experience. The aid went through an iterative revision process throughout the piloting phase to incorporate feedback. HCM probands attending a specialized multidisciplinary HCM clinic, aged ≥ 18 years and genetic test results available for disclosure between May and August 2016, or recently received their gene results (January–April 2015) were eligible. A purposive sampling strategy was employed, recruiting those attending clinic during the study period or those who could attend without difficulty.

Results

We developed and pilot tested a genetic counsellor-led communication aid. Based on clinical expertise, the aid addresses (a) what genetic testing is, (b) implications for the patient, (c) reasoning for variant classification, and (d) implications for the family. Pilot data were sought to assess knowledge, feasibility, and acceptability using a self-report survey 2 weeks post-intervention. Twelve of 13 participants completed the follow-up questionnaire. Participants valued the individualised nature of the aid, recommended use of the aid, and indicated genetic knowledge, and family communication was better facilitated. Iterative modification of images helped to more simply depict important genetic concepts.

Conclusions

We have developed a tool that is feasible, acceptable, and helpful to patients receiving genetic results. This is an important first step, and trial of the aid to assess effectiveness compared to usual care will follow.

Hereditary arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies: decision-making about genetic testing

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The modern field of clinical genetics has advanced beyond the traditional teachings familiar to most practicing cardiologists. Increased understanding of the roles of genetic testing may improve uptake and appropriateness of use.

RECENT FINDINGS

Clinical genetics has become integral to the management of patients with hereditary arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy diagnoses. Depending on the condition, genetic testing may be useful for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, family screening, and reproductive planning. However, genetic testing is a powerful tool with potential for underuse, overuse, and misuse. In the absence of a substantial body of literature on how these guidelines are applied in clinical practice, we use a case-based approach to highlight key lessons and pitfalls. Importantly, in many scenarios genetic testing has become the standard of care supported by numerous class I recommendations; genetic counselors can improve accessibility to and appropriate use and application of testing.

SUMMARY

Optimal management of hereditary arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies incorporates genetic testing, applied as per consensus guidelines, with involvement of a multidisciplinary team.

Genetic Testing in Inherited Heart Diseases: Practical Considerations for Clinicians

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Genetic testing has become an important element in the care of patients with inherited cardiac conditions (ICCs). The purpose of this review is to provide clinicians with insights into the utility of genetic testing as well as challenges associated with interpreting results.

RECENT FINDINGS

Genetic testing may be indicated for individuals who are affected with or who have family histories of various ICCs. Various testing options are available and determining the most appropriate test for any given clinical scenario is key when interpreting results. Newly published guidelines as well as various publicly accessible tools are available to clinicians to help with interpretation of genetic findings; however the subjectivity with respect to variant classification can make accurate assessment challenging. Genetic information can provide highly useful and relevant information for patients, their family members, and their healthcare providers. Given the potential ramifications of variant misclassification, expertise in both clinical phenotyping and molecular genetics is imperative in order to provide accurate diagnosis, management recommendations, and family risk assessment for this patient population.

The Muscle-Bound Heart

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a familial cardiac disease manifested in a wide phenotype and diverse genotype and, thus, presenting unpredictable risks mainly on young adults. Extensive studies are being conducted to categorize patients and link phenotype with genotype for a better management and control of the disease with all its complications. Because the full mechanisms behind HCM are still not revealed, therapeutics are not definitive. Further research is to be conducted for the generation of a complete picture and directed therapy for HCM.

A Long Term Follow-up Study of Carriers of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Mutations

BACKGROUND

Adults who test positive for a mutation associated with the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) but who have not manifested left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) at the time of that diagnosis are now commonly identified in the era of genetic testing. There are little published data, however, on the long-term outlook for these phenotypically normal gene carriers.

METHODS

Fifteen genotype positive/LVH negative patients with HCM were identified, seven of which were children when first diagnosed as gene carriers. Fourteen were followed up with clinical examinations, electrocardiography and echocardiography to determine if their clinical status had changed over time. Measurements included electrocardiographic changes, changes in wall thickness, diastolic function and global longitudinal stain.

RESULTS

Ten participants were followed up for a total of 18 years, two for a total of 17 years, one for 11 years and one for 8 years. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were performed on 11 participants. Eleven participants carried a mutation for the MYBPC3 gene and three carried a mutation for the MYH7 gene. One patient, an adult at the time of initial investigation, developed phenotypic features of HCM on echocardiography and MRI, one an increase in wall thickness diagnostic for HCM only on MRI and another to be borderline for HCM on MRI.

CONCLUSION

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can develop in adult life in carriers who may be negative for LVH at the time of gene diagnosis and warrants periodic supervision of carriers throughout their lives.

Health-related quality of life in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients with implantable defibrillators

Background

Health-related quality of life (HRQL) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) is largely unknown. The aim was to assess HRQL, including comparisons between groups, using the questionnaire SF-36, and compare it to a Swedish age- and sex-matched population.

Methods and Results

Validated data on adult HCM patients with ICDs were used. The SF-36 response rate was 82.5 % and 245 patients (mean age 55.9 years, 70.2 % men) were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test, t-test, Spearman correlation and effect size calculations. In all SF-36 domains the patients’ score was lower (p-value of <0.0001) than norms except for bodily pain. The general health domain showed the highest effect size (0.77) and the impact was more pronounced in the SF-36 physical component summary score (0.62) than the mental component summary score (0.46). Older age was correlated with lower scores on the physical component and higher scores on the mental component. Atrial fibrillation and/or systolic heart failure were associated with worse physical health. HRQL was similar in primary vs secondary prevention cases. Inappropriate ICD shock was associated with worse mental health while appropriate therapy trended toward better mental health.

Conclusion

HCM patients with ICDs suffer from poor HRQL regardless of age, sex, or primary vs secondary prevention indication. Atrial fibrillation and systolic heart failure are determinants of poor physical health. Inappropriate shocks, but not appropriate therapies, are associated with poorer mental health.

Recent advances in genetic testing and counseling for inherited arrhythmias

Inherited arrhythmias, such as cardiomyopathies and cardiac ion channelopathies, along with coronary heart disease (CHD) are three most common disorders that predispose adults to sudden cardiac death. In the last three decades, causal genes in inherited arrhythmias have been successfully identified. At the same time, it has become evident that the genetic architectures are more complex than previously known. Recent advancements in DNA sequencing technology (next generation sequencing) have enabled us to study such complex genetic traits.

This article discusses indications for genetic testing of patients with inherited arrhythmias. Further, it describes the benefits and challenges that we face in the era of next generation sequencing. Finally, it briefly discusses genetic counseling, in which a multidisciplinary approach is required due to the increased complexity of the genetic information related to inherited arrhythmias.

Cardiac genetic testing: a single-center pilot study of a Dominican population

The impact of undergoing genetic testing in a Dominican population is not well understood. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the psychological well-being and perceived cardiac risk among Dominicans who underwent genetic testing. Participants completed a qualitative interview and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire after cardiac genetic testing. There were 31 subjects evaluated (mean age 42 ± 11 years). Participants revealed three common themes: (a) fear of dying prematurely, (b) guilt of possibly passing on a mutation to their children, and (c) fear of having an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shock. Physical components of the SF-36 were within normal limits (46.2 ± 6.6) but elevated for mental components (59.9 ± 5.3). The quality of life and specific themes results determined in this investigation warrant further research in the Dominican population.

Is Internet use associated with anxiety in patients with and at risk for cardiomyopathy?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine the relation between online health information seeking behavior and anxiety level among a sample of patients with manifested cardiomyopathy or at risk for cardiomyopathy.

METHODS

The research is a cross-sectional study conducted among 104 patients with cardiomyopathy diagnosis and patients at risk for cardiomyopathy. Patients completed 3 different questionnaires: Use of Internet Health Information questionnaire about the use of Internet, Short Form SF-12 items questionnaire on quality of life, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory measuring general anxiety levels.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients had a diagnosis of primary or secondary cardiomyopathy, and 56 patients, with conditions predisposing to cardiomyopathy. Eighty-five percent of the considered population is surfing the Internet to obtain nonspecific information about health in general, and the 65% use it to look specifically for heart disease. For both groups of patients with cardiomyopathy and at risk for cardiomyopathy, online health information seeking behavior is associated with substantially lower state anxiety levels (P = .041).

CONCLUSION

Web use, as a source of health information, has been shown to be associated with anxiety reduction in patients with or at risk for cardiomyopathy, suggesting that Internet technology can be a useful instrument due to its informational power and its potentially therapeutic value.

Health Status and Psychological Distress in Patients with Non-compaction Cardiomyopathy: The Role of Burden Related to Symptoms and Genetic Vulnerability

BACKGROUND

Non-compaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) is a cardiomyopathy characterized by left ventricular tribeculae and deep intertrabecular recesses. Because of its genetic underpinnings and physical disease burden, noncompaction cardiomyopathy is expected to be associated with a lower health status and increase in pscyhological distress.

PURPOSE

This study determined the health status and psychological distress in NCCM patients. We also examined the potential contribution of genetic predisposition and cardiac symptoms to health status and distress in NCCM, by comparing NCCM patients with (1) patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and (2) patients with acquired dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

METHODS

Patients were recruited from the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Using a case-control design, NCCM patients (N = 45, mean age 46.7 ± 15.1 years, 38 % male) were compared with 43 FH patients and 42 DCM patients. Outcome measures were health status (Short Form Health Survey-12), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item scale).

RESULTS

NCCM patients showed significantly worse health status (Physical Component Score F(1,84) = 9.58, P = .003; Mental Component Score F(1,84) = 16.65, P < .001), anxiety (F(1,85) = 9.63, P = .003) and depression scores (F(1,82) = 5.4, P = .023) compared to FH patients, also after adjusting age, sex, comorbidity, educational level and time since diagnosis. However, NCCM patients did not differ from DCM patients (Physical Component Score F(1,82) = 2,61, P = .11; Mental Component Score F(1,82) = .55, P = .46), anxiety (F(1,82) = 1.16, P = .28) and depression scores (F(1,82) = 1,95, P = .17).

CONCLUSION

Cardiac symptoms are likely to play a role in the observed poor health status and elevated levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms in NCCM, whereas the burden of having a genetic condition may contribute less to these health status and psychological measures.

Genetic advances in sarcomeric cardiomyopathies: state of the art

Genetic studies in the 1980s and 1990s led to landmark discoveries that sarcomere mutations cause both hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies. Sarcomere mutations also likely play a role in more complex phenotypes and overlap cardiomyopathies with features of hypertrophy, dilation, diastolic abnormalities, and non-compaction. Identification of the genetic cause of these important conditions provides unique opportunities to interrogate and characterize disease pathogenesis and pathophysiology, starting from the molecular level and expanding from there. With such insights, there is potential for clinical translation that may transform management of patients and families with inherited cardiomyopathies. If key pathways for disease development can be identified, they could potentially serve as targets for novel disease-modifying or disease-preventing therapies. By utilizing gene-based diagnostic testing, we can identify at-risk individuals prior to the onset of clinical disease, allowing for disease-modifying therapy to be initiated early in life, at a time that such treatment may be most successful. In this section, we review the current application of genetics in clinical management, focusing on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as a paradigm; discuss state-of-the-art genetic testing technology; review emerging knowledge of gene expression in sarcomeric cardiomyopathies; and discuss both the prospects, as well as the challenges, of bringing genetics to medicine.

Factors Associated with Uptake of Genetics Services for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common cardiovascular disorder with variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance. Clinical guidelines recommend consultation with a genetics professional as part of an initial assessment for HCM, yet there remains an underutilization of genetics services. We conducted a study to assess factors associated with this underutilization within the framework of the Health Belief Model (HBM). An online survey was completed by 306 affected individuals and at risk family members. Thirty-seven percent of individuals (113/306) had visited a genetics professional for reasons related to HCM. Genetic testing was performed on 53 % (162/306). Individuals who had undergone testing were more likely to have seen a genetics professional (p < 0.001), had relatives with an HCM diagnosis (p = 0.002), and have a known familial mutation (p < 0.001). They were also more likely to agree that genetic testing would satisfy their curiosity (p < 0.001), provide reassurance (p < 0.001), aid family members in making healthcare decisions (p < 0.001), and encourage them to engage in a healthier lifestyle (p = 0.002). The HBM components of cues to action and perceived benefits and barriers had the greatest impact on uptake of genetic testing. In order to ensure optimal counseling and care for individuals and families with HCM, awareness and education around HCM and genetic services should be promoted in both physicians and patients alike.

The effect of cardiac genetic testing on psychological well-being and illness perceptions

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of positive cardiac genetic diagnoses, ICD discharges, and arrhythmias on measures of psychological well-being.

METHODS

Fifty-eight adults with prior cardiac genetic testing were enrolled. Patient well-being was determined using the SF-36 (QoL), HADS-A and HADS-D (anxiety/depression), and IPQ-R (patients' perceptions of illness). Patients with positive and negative cardiac genetic test results were compared using non-parametric statistics.

RESULTS

Genetic testing yielded 76% with a positive diagnosis and 29% reported an ICD shock. QoL assessments (n = 33) were within normal ranges (mean of 50) with the exceptions of general health (44.1 ± 12.2, p < 0.01) and bodily pain (55.1 ± 9.1, p < 0.01) domains, but only the bodily pain domain showed differences between those with positive and negative cardiac genetic test results. Subjects with ICD discharges had higher scores than those without shocks in consequential and emotional IPQR subscales as well as greater perceived risks of experiencing a serious cardiac event, developing additional symptoms, or limitations in daily activities.

CONCLUSION

Positive genetic results did not negatively impact patient well-being with the exception of the bodily pain domain of the SF-36.