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Comparison of coronary heart disease genetic assessment with conventional cardiovascular risk assessment in primary care: reflections on a feasibility study

Qureshi, Nadeem; Kai, Joe; Middlemass, Jo; Dhiman, Paula; Cross-Bardell, Laura; Acharya, Jayshree; Li, Ka Wan; Humphries, Steve E.; Standen, Penny

Authors

Jo Middlemass

Paula Dhiman

Laura Cross-Bardell

Jayshree Acharya

Ka Wan Li

Steve E. Humphries

Penny Standen



Abstract

Aim: This study assesses the feasibility of collecting genetic samples and self-reported outcome measures after cardiovascular risk assessment, and presenting the genetic test results to participants.
Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) genetic tests are increasingly available through direct-to-consumer marketing, but their potential clinical impact on cardiovascular risk assessment is unclear.
Methods: Observational study in 10 British general practices in Central England. A total of 320 individuals, who had completed conventional cardiovascular risk assessment, were offered CHD genetic test, with follow-up outcome questionnaire at eight months for lifestyle change and State-Trait Anxiety.
Findings: A total of 119 (37%) participants returned genetic test specimens, with over a third reporting family history of CHD in a specified relative; 79 (66.4%) were categorized above-average risk on conventional cardiovascular risk assessment, 65 of whom (82.3%) were only average risk on genetic assessment. The dietary fat questionnaire was poorly completed while study participation was not associated with increased anxiety (mean increase in anxiety score=2.1; 95% CI −0.1–4.3; P=0.06).
Conclusion: As a feasibility study, over a third of individuals offered genetic testing in primary care, as part of CVD risk assessment, took up the offer. Although intervention did not appear to increase anxiety, this needs further evaluation. To improve generalizability and effect size, future studies should actively engage individuals from wider socio-economic backgrounds who may not have already contemplated lifestyle change. The current research suggests general practitioners will face the clinical challenge of patients presenting with direct-to-consumer genetic results that are inconsistent with conventional cardiovascular risk assessment.

Citation

Qureshi, N., Kai, J., Middlemass, J., Dhiman, P., Cross-Bardell, L., Acharya, J., …Standen, P. (2015). Comparison of coronary heart disease genetic assessment with conventional cardiovascular risk assessment in primary care: reflections on a feasibility study. Primary Health Care Research and Development, 16(6), 607-617. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1463423615000122

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Feb 8, 2015
Online Publication Date Mar 23, 2015
Publication Date 2015-11
Deposit Date Feb 13, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Primary Health Care Research & Development
Print ISSN 1463-4236
Electronic ISSN 1477-1128
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 16
Issue 6
Pages 607-617
DOI https://doi.org/10.1017/S1463423615000122
Keywords coronary heart disease, genetic testing, risk assessment
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/981496
Publisher URL https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/primary-health-care-research-and-development/article/comparison-of-coronary-heart-disease-genetic-assessment-with-conventional-cardiovascular-risk-assessment-in-primary-care-reflections-on-a-feasibility-study/B701E3
Additional Information © Cambridge University Press 2015