Cardiovascular Genetics
Helping Kids With Genetic Heart Conditions Thrive
Nemours Children’s cardiovascular genetics team works with kids who may have a heart or blood vessel condition because of a genetic change, or variation. Sometimes, these genetic variants are passed down from parents, leading to a hereditary condition. At other times, they arise in a child as the first person in the family.
As part of award-winning pediatric heart centers in Delaware and Florida, our team is at the leading edge of cardiovascular genetics. We’re researching genes involved in inherited heart disorders and rare syndromes that affect the heart and blood vessels. What we uncover directly informs treatment.
We make the process easy for you. A pediatric cardiologist, geneticist and genetic counselor can meet with your child on the same day. After a complete evaluation, your child may have genetic testing done while you’re here.
At Nemours, we’re one team. We partner with electrophysiologists, interventional cardiologists, heart failure specialists, heart transplant experts (in Delaware), and preventive cardiologists to order testing and plan treatment. If you have a cardiologist outside of our system, we work closely with them for your child’s best possible care.
Our Services
Genetic testing can help assess your child’s risk of a known disease that runs in the family or confirm a suspected diagnosis. It can also help inform how we monitor your child’s health with preventive screening. This can mean earlier and more targeted treatments for better outcomes.
Our services for newborns to adults up to age 40 include:
- Full heart workups. We may perform an electrocardiogram (EKG) and/or an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) during your appointment. Combined with a physical exam, these tests help our doctors understand what’s going on with your child’s heart.
- Genetic testing. We may order specific genetic testing to reach a diagnosis, based on your child’s history and symptoms. We can use a saliva sample for many tests.
- Specialized genetic counseling. We help your family understand genetic testing options, along with possible risks and benefits. We tell you how results can and can’t be used if the test finds a genetic change. We also offer guidance on how genetic changes are related to certain cardiovascular conditions.
- Congenital heart disease management. We offer testing for congenital heart disease — disease present at birth — to see if there’s a genetic cause. Doing so helps us better understand your child’s diagnosis and plan targeted treatment.
- Long-term monitoring and care from a diverse team. Depending on your child’s condition, they may need ongoing care from our doctors for months or years. We have a wide network of doctors in more than 30 pediatric specialty areas.
Nemours also offers genetic testing during pregnancy through our Fetal Medicine program.
What is genetic testing? Learn why it’s done and what to expect from the experts at Nemours KidsHealth®.
Genetic counseling helps you understand how genetic illnesses can affect you and your family. Learn about genetic counseling and what to expect.
Genes are sections of DNA found inside every human cell. Find out how genes pass from parent to child.
Marfan syndrome is a genetic condition that affects the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Learn more about this condition.
- What is Genetic Testing
- Genetic Counseling
- DNA
- Marfan Syndrome
Conditions & Treatments
We see many conditions — far too many to list here. The conditions we treat vary depending on the location and providers selected. Don’t see a condition listed? Call us.
Related Specialties & Programs
Multiple Genetic Experts, All in One Place
Genetic testing can help us tailor care plans based on your child’s specific condition. We work closely with our heart experts and many other specialists across our system to care for your child.
We have a cardiologist, geneticist and genetics counselor who specifically work with pediatric cardiovascular diseases to provide highly specialized care.
Cardiovascular genetics is quickly growing and changing. Our team is at the forefront sharing what we learn to help kids everywhere, even those we’ll never meet.
If we find that your child has a genetic heart condition, we can test you and your other children, too.
Nemours provides medical management, heart procedures and surgery through young adulthood.
Multiple Genetic Experts, All in One Place
Genetic testing can help us tailor care plans based on your child’s specific condition. We work closely with our heart experts and many other specialists across our system to care for your child.
We have a cardiologist, geneticist and genetics counselor who specifically work with pediatric cardiovascular diseases to provide highly specialized care.
Cardiovascular genetics is quickly growing and changing. Our team is at the forefront researching and sharing what we learn to help kids everywhere, even those we’ll never meet.
If we find that your child has a genetic heart condition, we can test you and your other children, too.
In Delaware, we offer medical management, interventional procedures, surgery and transplant through adulthood.
Meet the Team
Nemours cardiovascular genetics teams are experienced and focused on your child's healthiest future. Meet them now.
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Carissa M. Baker-Smith, MD, MPH
Cardiology Director, Preventive Cardiology Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Pediatric Cardiology at Thomas Jefferson UniversityPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Shannon Nees, MD
Cardiology Director, Cardiovascular Genetics Program; Associate Program Director, Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship; Co-Chair, Scholarly Oversight CommitteePrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Aryaz Sheybani, MD
Cardiology Medical Director, Heart Transplant ProgramPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Joel D. Temple, MD
Cardiology Director, Electrophysiology; Associate Chief, CardiologyPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE
Convenient Follow-Up Appointments by Video
We offer follow-up appointments through scheduled, live video visits. You can avoid waiting rooms and save travel time. Ask your doctor if this is an option for your family.