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McGovern Medical School

Our Infiltrative and Genetic Cardiomyopathy Specialists
UT Physicians Bellaire Station

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About our Infiltrative and Genetic Cardiomyopathy program

 

Our Infiltrative and Genetic Cardiomyopathy Program at UTHealth Houston is at the forefront of comprehensive care for patients with cardiomyopathies. We are committed to diagnosing and managing patients with inherited and acquired cardiomyopathies, including hypertrophic, restrictive, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathies. Our experts are well-versed in the intricate world of genetic and infiltrative heart diseases and offer state-of-the-art, personalized care that leads to improved quality of life and outcomes.

As part of our mission, we provide specialized diagnostic services to identify genetic mutations and infiltrative diseases, aiming to provide patients with the most accurate and effective treatments available. Our team is dedicated to advancing the understanding of these conditions through cutting-edge research, ensuring our patients have access to the latest innovations in the field. By combining our clinical expertise with research-driven insights, we strive to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by cardiomyopathies.

Conditions we treat

 

The Infiltrative and Genetic Cardiomyopathy Program at UTHealth Houston is equipped to manage a spectrum of heart conditions, including:

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: We specialize in treating this genetic condition characterized by an abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, which can obstruct blood flow.
  • Restrictive cardiomyopathy: Our team is experienced in managing the rare condition in which the heart chambers become rigid and less able to expand, affecting normal blood flow.
  • Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC): We offer comprehensive care for this inherited condition where healthy heart muscle is replaced by fibrous and fatty tissue, leading to abnormal heart rhythms.
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy: We can address this condition that causes the heart to become enlarged and weakened, resulting in reduced pumping ability.
  • Genetic heart diseases: We diagnose and manage various genetic heart diseases, including those with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern.
  • Infiltrative heart diseases: We have the expertise to handle diseases where abnormal substances infiltrate the heart muscle, such as amyloidosis and hemochromatosis.

Our program’s dedication to understanding and treating these complex conditions ensures that patients receive the most accurate diagnoses and advanced therapies available. We are committed to helping individuals and their families navigate these challenges and improve their overall heart health.

Advanced treatment options

 

The Infiltrative and Genetic Cardiomyopathy Program at UTHealth Houston provides access to cutting-edge therapies and interventions tailored to each patient’s specific condition. Our advanced treatment options include:

  • Genetic testing and counseling: We offer comprehensive genetic testing to identify mutations that contribute to inherited heart diseases. Our team provides genetic counseling to patients and their families, guiding them through potential hereditary risks.
  • Medication management: With a focus on precision medicine, we develop medication plans based on your genetic profile and condition. This personalized approach aims to alleviate symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve your overall quality of life.
  • Heart transplantation: In cases of advanced cardiomyopathy where the heart is severely damaged, heart transplantation may be recommended. Our program can facilitate evaluations and guide patients through the transplant process.
  • Cardiac device therapy: For conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, we may recommend implantable devices like defibrillators to manage potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.
  • Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT): We provide enzyme replacement therapy for certain infiltrative conditions like Fabry disease, designed to replace missing or deficient enzymes and slow disease progression.
  • Clinical trials: As part of a leading academic institution, we have access to clinical trials investigating novel treatments for genetic and infiltrative cardiomyopathies. Patients may have the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research to advance the field.

Our program is at the forefront of innovative treatment approaches, ensuring that you receive the latest therapies and interventions for your specific condition. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates closely to tailor your treatment plan to your unique needs and genetics, aiming to provide the best possible outcomes.

Why choose our program: The UTHealth Houston advantage

 

  • Comprehensive expertise: Our program brings together a team of renowned experts in the field of infiltrative and genetic cardiomyopathies. We are dedicated to staying at the forefront of research, ensuring that you receive the latest advancements in diagnosis and treatment.
  • Personalized care: We recognize that every patient is unique, and so are their genetic and cardiomyopathy profiles. We take a personalized approach to create individualized care plans that cater to your specific condition, genetic makeup, and lifestyle.
  • Genetic counseling: Understanding the genetic aspects of cardiomyopathy is crucial. We provide genetic testing and counseling to patients and their families, helping to identify hereditary risks and guiding you through informed decisions.
  • Innovative therapies: Our program is involved in the most advanced clinical trials and research, offering access to novel treatments and interventions. By choosing our program, you have the opportunity to be at the forefront of emerging therapies in the field.