Within this project clinical geneticist Imke Christiaans (UMCG) leads a team focusing on the early detection of inherited heart diseases, including health psychologist Adelita Ranchor (UMCG) and ethicist Els Maeckelberghe (UMCG). Cardiologists Peter Van der Meer (UMCG) and Moniek Cox (UMCG) are involved in the teams working on targeted therapy development and predicting the risk of severe disease and dangerous arrhythmias.
Inherited heart diseases collectively affect 1 in 200 people and present a significant societal challenge. Multidisciplinary teams focus on early detection (UMCG lead), risk prediction, therapy and disease impact. Their research will contribute to earlier and more precise diagnosis of inherited cardiac diseases, informed decision making concerning genetic testing and treatment, timely personalised treatment, improved education of patients, relatives and health care professionals, and evidence-based guidelines. Together, this has the potential to improve quality of life and societal participation of patients and contribute to cost-effective healthcare.
The consortium aims to improve the healthcare path for affected individuals and their families by exploring barriers to access to genetic care.
