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The Montreal Heart Institute (MHI) continues its pursuit of innovation. Today, it has opened its Cardiovascular Genetics Centre. “We’ve just made an important step towards personalized medicine. This is the only specialized centre in Quebec with comprehensive expertise in patient monitoring thanks to a combination of clinical investigation and molecular testing for genetic cardiovascular diseases,” said Dr. Talajic, Director of the Centre. The MHI’s Cardiovascular Genetics Centre was created in order to provide an integrated multidisciplinary clinical assessment for patients and families affected by a genetic cardiovascular disease. “The Centre can provide all the cardiovascular assessments needed for the diagnosis, risk stratification, and development of treatment options,” added Dr. Denis Roy, Chief Executive Officer of the MHI.

“The laboratory at the Genetics Centre will carry out molecular genetic testing, which allows us to identify the variants involved in the pathogenesis of several genetic cardiovascular diseases. It is the largest centre dedicated to cardiovascular disease in Canada,” said Dr. Julie Amyot, clinical biochemist and Director of the molecular diagnostics lab. As for the clinical component, patients will be able to obtain all the information necessary regarding individual and family risks associated with the disease. Educating patients and their families is an important part of the clinic’s mission. Given that 50% of individuals who are directly related to a patient affected by a genetic heart condition carry the same pathogenic variant, it is essential to provide education on family planning and on the potential for developing the same clinical symptoms.

The genetics clinic includes a multidisciplinary team responsible for assessing the range of genetic cardiovascular pathologies in patients with hereditary arrhythmias, aortopathies, and cardiomyopathies. The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the art technology such as, among other things, a new generation MiSeq sequencer and a Sanger sequencer. All of this was made possible thanks to Hydro-Québec who made a donation to the Genetics Centre specifically for the molecular diagnostics lab. The Centre is also financially supported by the Philippa and Marvin Carsley Cardiology Chair at Université de Montréal. The chair holder is Dr. Peter Guerra, Chief of the Department of Medicine and specialist in cardiac arrhythmia. “We want to express our immense thanks to Hydro-Québec and to Mr. and Mrs. Carsley for their generous donation,” said Henri-Paul Rousseau, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the MHI Foundation.

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About the Montreal Heart Institute
Founded in 1954 by Dr. Paul David, the Montreal Heart Institute constantly aims for the highest standards of excellence in the cardiovascular field through its leadership in clinical and basic research, ultra-specialized care, professional training, and prevention. It is part of the broad network of health excellence made up of Université de Montréal and its affiliated institutions. According to Research Infosource, the Montreal Heart Institute has been ranked the number one research hospital in Canada for research intensity and funding per researcher.

About the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation
The mission of the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation is to raise and administer funds to support the Institute's priority and innovative projects and help its fight against cardiovascular disease, the number-one cause of death worldwide. Since its creation in 1977, the Foundation has donated nearly $218 million to the Montreal Heart Institute.

For more information:
Lise Plante, MBA
Director of Public Relations
Montreal Heart Institute Foundation
Tel.: 514-376-3330, ext. 3898 | lise.plante@icm-mhi.org
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