Cardiac Genetics Clinic

What we do

The Alfred Cardiac Genetics Clinic adopts a multidisciplinary approach with both cardiology and genetics staff in attendance. We offer comprehensive risk assessment, genetic counselling & testing, discuss options for risk management, provide advice for ongoing care & psychosocial support. We also actively support collaborative research.

Who we care for

Individuals suitable for referral include those with:

• Unexplained VT / VF cardiac arrest
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC)
• Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC)
• Severe dilated cardiomyopathy
• Suspected Congenital Long QT syndrome
• Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT)
• Brugada syndrome

What to expect

Prior to and during the consultation, we will undertake a detailed review of your cardiac history and investigations, family history and pyschosocial history. At the conclusion of the consultation, if appropriate, you will be counselled regarding the pros and cons of genetic testing. Following informed consent, you may be sent a the conclusion of the consultation for a blood test looking for abnormalities in a wide spectrum of cardiomyopathy and/or arrhythmia genes. We will then arrange subsequent follow-up and counselling regarding test results and provide guidance for your future follow up and that of family members, where appropriate.

How to access this clinic

Referral from your GP

You need a referral letter from your GP or medical practitioner to access this service.

Your doctor will need to fax your referral letter to us. We will be in contact with you in clinically recommended times, depending on waiting list length. If there is no waiting list, you will receive an appointment booking letter or we will contact you to arrange a suitable time.

What to bring

Every time you come

• Medicare card
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
• Previous scan results (such as nuclear amyloid scans, cardiac MRI results, echocardiography) or any other blood test results or relevant reports
• Medicines you need to take while you are here
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Glasses, hearing aid(s) and/or walking frame if needed

For a clinic appointment

• Your appointment letter
• Any special items listed on your letter
• TAC or WorkCover claim number (if relevant)

Clinic times

Clinic consultants

• A/Prof Aleksandr Voskoboinik: Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist
• A/Prof Hitesh Patel: Cardiology (Pacing and Heart Failure)
• Dr Kunal Verma: Cardiology
• Lucinda Salmon: Genetic Counsellor
• Megan Cotter: Genetic Counsellor
• Alisha Harpur: Genetic Counsellor
• Jo Martinussen: Genetic Counsellor