Cardiology Has a New Genetic Counselor!

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May 26, 2020 | Katrina Sorensen, Research Coordinator | @katrinasorensen

Welcome, Katie!

The Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic is excited to welcome Katie Agre, M.S., LCGC, as the new genetic counselor for the Department of Cardiovascular Diseases! In her new role, Katie will be supporting the entire Cardiology Department and she is excited to see any patients with a personal or family history of cardiovascular disease.

Katie has been working as a clinical genetic counselor in the Department of Clinical Genomics since June 2016. She attended the University of Minnesota for her Master’s in Genetic Counseling. She has specialized in cardiovascular genetics for the past three years but has also been involved in seeing patients for the Department of Oncology, and several other general indications.

In her new role in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Katie will be available to meet with patients and families to discuss genetic testing, review results, and perform a risk assessment for a multitude of referrals including hereditary arrhythmias, such as LQTS and CPVT, cardiomyopathies, dyslipidemias, amyloidosis, aortopathies, congenital heart disease, and more.

So what is a genetic counselor and what do they do?

A genetic counselor is a healthcare professional trained in both medical genetics and counseling. They are able to provide risk assessment, education, and support to individuals and families at risk for, or diagnosed with, a variety of inherited conditions. Genetic counselors are skilled at helping patients and their families understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of living with a genetic disease.

To learn more about genetic counseling and how you and your family might benefit from an appointment with Katie, check out these websites:

• The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC)
• The NSGC Patient Resource site
• Am I at Risk for Heart Disease? - NSGC Blurb
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Genomics & Precision Health page

If you are interested in making an appointment with Katie Agre, please call (507) 284-3328.

Meet other people talking about genetic heart disorders Mayo Clinic Connect. Join the Heart Rhythm Conditions group to join the conversation, share experiences, ask questions, and discover your support network.

For up-to-date information, please follow Dr. Ackerman and the Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic on Twitter by clicking the links below.