Genetic counselling is a process by which individuals at risk of a disorder that may be hereditary are informed of the consequences of that disorder, the probability of developing and transmitting it and the ways in which this may be prevented or lessened.
The aims of genetic counselling are to help the individual and family to:
- understand the information about the genetic conditions
- appreciate the inheritance pattern and risk of recurrence
- understand the options available
- make decisions appropriate to their personal and family situation
- make the best possible adjustment to the disorder or risk
Genetic counselling allows information to be made available to “at risk” relatives, promoting early detection and treatment of inherited heart disease in these individuals. It affords the opportunity to address psychological/social/ethical issues which cannot be managed in a routine cardiology clinic.
Pulse point
Genetic counsellors are highly trained, registered healthcare professionals. Further information can be found at:
