Genetic Testing for Heart Failure
(HOGI Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Heart muscle disorders are a common cause of heart failure: a life-threatening condition that can cause dangerous abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia) and a buildup of fluid in the body (edema). In British Columbia (BC) and Alberta, patients with heart failure are cared for in specialized Heart Function Clinics (HFC). Providers in these clinics rapidly diagnose and treat heart failure because early treatment prevents death and disability. In some situations, particularly in young people, heart failure is caused by abnormalities in the genetic blueprint of the heart muscle - this is present at birth and passed down within families (i.e. hereditary). The investigators can diagnose this genetic abnormality by a simple blood or saliva test, which allows for better treatment of patients and diagnosis of family members to protect against heart failure and death. In BC and Alberta, people suspected of having this form of heart failure must be referred to highly specialized programs to receive genetic testing, as these healthcare systems currently do not offer genetic testing through HFCs. However, HFC providers are unaware or discouraged to refer patients because of very long waitlists of these programs. In this study, the investigators want to educate, enable, and empower HFC cardiologists to order genetic testing for heart failure. If such an intervention demonstrates success in this study, patients will no longer have to wait for up to 3 years to see a genetic specialist. Patients will be diagnosed and treated earlier, and their family members who might be in danger of having the condition can be informed more quickly. The investigators aim to leverage this study to encourage healthcare leadership to facilitate more timely access to genetic testing by showing the positive impact on health outcomes.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Thomas Roston, MD/PhD
Principal Investigator
University of British Columbia
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for patients in Western Canada with heart failure, specifically non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. It's aimed at those who are currently being treated in Heart Function Clinics and could benefit from genetic testing to identify hereditary causes of their condition.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Genetic Testing and Counseling
Participants undergo genetic testing and receive video-based genetic counseling
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in clinical management and family screening recommendations
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Mainstreaming Genetic Testing
Trial Overview
The study is testing a change in health service delivery by empowering HFC cardiologists to order genetic tests directly. This aims to speed up diagnosis and treatment for patients, avoiding long waits to see genetic specialists.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Mainstreamed genetic testing offered directly by the Heart Function Clinic cardiologist with video-based genetic counselling tools
Traditional referral pathway to a specialized cardiac genetics clinic
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Thomas Roston
Lead Sponsor
Genome British Columbia
Industry Sponsor
Genome Alberta
Collaborator
University of Calgary
Collaborator
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