Welcome to the Genetic Heart Rhythm Diseases page. The Mayo Clinic Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic, with the Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory in Rochester, MN, is dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and researching all types of genetic heart rhythm diseases that can cause sudden death. Follow the Genetic Heart Rhythm Diseases page and stay up-to-date as we post stories, clinical trials, and useful information regarding your genetic heart rhythm condition.

Public blog

Welcome

Welcome to the Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

We are dedicated to research, diagnosing, and treating all types of genetic heart rhythm diseases (GHDs). Our unique clinic combines clinical care from world-renowned doctors in the Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic with translational research efforts from the Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory to provide comprehensive evaluations, diagnostics, and individualized treatment plans. Over the last 20 years, our staff has gained experience and expertise in diagnosing and treating infants, children, adolescents, young adults, and older adults with genetic heart rhythm diseases (GHDs).

There are many reasons why patients from all over the world come to the Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic. Our patients and families are evaluated with a family-centered model meaning the same genetic cardiologist sees the entire family. As a result, many physicians refer their complex or high-risk patients with a variety of GHDs to us due to our ever-expanding experience and expertise.

The most common genetic heart rhythm diseases (GHDs) evaluated in the Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic include:

  • Long QT Syndrome (LQTS)
  • Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT)
  • Brugada Syndrome (BrS), Short QT Syndrome (SQTS), and the Other Cardiac Channelopathies
  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
  • Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM) including Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC)
  • Arrhythmogenic Bileaflet Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome (ABiMVPS)
  • Survivors of Sudden cardiac arrest that required CPR or AED shock
  • First degree relatives of sudden cardiac death victims, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) victims and Sudden Adolescent Death Syndrome (SADS) victims

No matter why you and your family are considering the Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic for your care, know that you will be in great hands. Over the last 20 years, we have seen over 3,000 unique patients and their families. Compassionate, attentive and inclusive care is what we aim for. Comprehensive diagnostics and effective treatment options will have you and your family protected and able to resume living your lives. Our Clinic's expectation is to not only prevent a tragic sudden cardiac death but to enable individuals to LIVE and THRIVE despite their GHD.

 

Dr. Michael J. Ackerman, a genetic cardiologist and director of Mayo Clinic's Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic, explains just what to expect at your first visit to the Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic.

This Genetic Heart Rhythm Diseases (GHDs) page is meant to be used as a resource for you and your loved ones. Check out the various tabs for more information.

  • The Recently Diagnosed tab provides information on where to begin after being diagnosed with a GHD such as how to get organized, find support, and how to make an appointment with Mayo Clinic's Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic.
  • The Diseases Overview tab discusses overviews, risk information, diagnostics, and treatment options.
  • The Genomics Laboratory tab highlights what kind of research is being conducted in the Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory and the current research studies we have available for patients with GHDs.
  • The Care Team tab helps put faces to the names of the Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic's care team.
  • The Appointment FAQ tab provides information about what to expect at your first appointment at Mayo Clinic's Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic as well as how to contact us and where to find more information about Mayo Clinic's Rochester campus.
  • The Video Archive tab is available with videos recorded by Dr. Michael Ackerman regarding various topics related to GHDs.
  • The Resources tab provides outside links for more information about specific diagnoses, ways to connect with others living with genetic heart rhythm diagnosis and current guidelines from leading organizations.

FollowAck_LARGEFollowUs_LARGE