The training 40% of cardiologists lack

In a recent American College of Cardiology survey, 40% of cardiologists said they had not received any training in cardiogenetic testing, according to a study to be published in the forthcoming August 2025 issue of JACC: Advances. 

The ACC surveyed 161 cardiologists between March and April 2024 to assess their perceptions and utilization of cardiogenetic testing.

Here are five things to know from the survey results:

1. Of all respondents, 80% said they have directly ordered or facilitated a referral for cardiogenetic testing.
   
   Of those, 40% said they were confident in ordering the tests and 31% said they were confident in interpreting the test results.
   
   
2. Among respondents who had never ordered cardiogenetic testing, 76% had not received education in cardiogenetic testing.
   
   
3. Respondents said barriers to ordering cardiogenetic testing included the perceived high cost, limited access to genetic counselors and lack of confidence in interpreting the results.
   
   
4. Almost all respondents, 91%, expressed interest in receiving further education on cardiogenetic testing.
   
   
5. The survey suggests that improved access to genetic counselors and professionals, clearer guidelines, and expanded education could boost cardiogenetic testing adoption and integration into cardiovascular care,” the study authors wrote. 

Read the full study here.