Comprehensive Genetic Arrhythmia Program
The UCSF Comprehensive Genetic Arrhythmia Program (CGAP) studies and treats inherited heart rhythm disorders, also known as arrhythmias. While not all arrhythmias are genetic, arrhythmias as a class represent a serious health risk. The most serious risk is sudden cardiac death (SCD). Nearly 500,000 deaths a year are attributed to SCD.
Our program plays a leading role in advancing the understanding of existing genetic causes of cardiac arrhythmias, identifying new genes implicated in the disorders and applying this knowledge to improving patient care.
At CGAP, experts in electrophysiology, cardiology, genetics and genetic counseling work side by side to create a multidisciplinary focus not found anywhere else in the western United States. This focus benefits both patients and their doctors for several key reasons:
- Genetic causes of SCD can be rare and difficult to diagnose. Our team includes some of the world's leading experts in inherited arrhythmias. They work together to make sure that each patient receives a precise diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
- Inherited arrhythmias can affect both the patient and family members, creating unique challenges in management. This is an area in which doctors can benefit from the experience of our experts. Our multidisciplinary evaluations are designed to ensure that all patients and their families receive the most comprehensive workups possible.
- Access to genetic testing and genetic counseling is a critical component in making a diagnosis, planning treatment, and helping patients and their families adjust to life with an inherited arrhythmia. Genetic testing and counseling are integral to our patient treatment and important for researchers, who view inherited arrhythmias within the context of family relationships.
- Our growing understanding of the role that genetic mutations play in inherited arrhythmias reinforces the importance of patient and family management. It also underscores the benefit of access to information from prior genetic studies. UCSF has a vast store of research data. We intend to continue the program and extend this commitment as more information becomes available.
Our Research
CGAP studies patients with:
- Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia
- Averted sudden death of unknown cause
- Brugada syndrome
- Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
- Long QT syndrome
- Short QT syndrome
If you're interested in learning more about our research studies, please contact us at [email protected] or (415) 514-7310.
Our locations
Our team
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Byron Lee
MD
Cardiologist and electrophysiologist -
Randall J. Lee
MD, PhD
Cardiologist and electrophysiologist -
Gregory M. Marcus
MD
Cardiologist and electrophysiologist -
Jeffrey E. Olgin
MD
Cardiologist and electrophysiologist -
Melvin M. Scheinman
MD
Cardiologist and electrophysiologist -
Nelson B. Schiller
MD, FACC
Cardiologist -
Zian H. Tseng
MD
Cardiologist and electrophysiologist -
Vasanth Vedantham
MD, PhD
Cardiologist and electrophysiologist -
Emily Higgs
CGC, MS
Genetic counselor
Awards & recognition
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Among the top hospitals in the nation
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One of the nation's best in cardiology and heart & vascular surgery
Clinical trials
Support services
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- Insurance authorization, if required
- Doctor's referral, if required
- Recent test results related to your condition
- List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
