KUCHING, Jan 4: The Sarawak Heart Foundation (SHF) has contributed RM100,000 towards a fund for genetic testing for inherited cardiovascular diseases at Sarawak Heart Centre (SHC).
Consultant cardiologist Dr Oon Yen Yee, who initiated the fund, said that the purpose of the fund is to subsidise or sponsor patients from the lower income group so that genetic testing is accessible to all, reported Bernama.
The news outlet reported that the fund was set up in 2021 with RM50,000 from SHF, and has benefitted 58 patients, including eight children.
According to a statement issued by SHC, Dr Oon said genetic testing could help confirm the diagnosis of inherited cardiovascular disease, allowing doctors to provide individualised and targeted treatment for patients.
“It can also help reduce unnecessary anxiety among family members, because through genetic screening, those who do not carry the gene will not be infected with the disease,” she was quoted as saying.
Dr Oon also noted that the genetic tests carried out at SHC are sent to a company based in the United States of America named INVITAE, and with the current cost of US$349 (RM1,619) per test, patients have to pay up to RM1,900 for the test.
The statement further highlighted that SHC in Kota Samarahan started cardiogenetic clinic services last year to become the first heart centre under the Ministry of Health (MOH) to have such a clinic.
It was also mentioned that the clinic is run by certified geneticists from the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital to provide comprehensive cardiovascular assessment, genetic counselling, testing, and individualised treatment plans.
Although there is still no cure for most inherited cardiovascular diseases, Dr Oon said that several studies conducted have shown encouraging results, which show that they can be treated.
“(Currently) the treatment given is mainly to reduce symptoms and prevent death from heart attack, but there are studies looking at targeted treatment to the mutated gene, and the findings show encouraging results.
“In the future, this investigational treatment called gene therapy may offer a complete cure for inherited cardiovascular disease,” she added. — DayakDaily
