Cardiovascular Sensor

Cardiovascular Sensor is a buccal-swab genetic test analysing common gene variants associated with cardiovascular risk, primarily coronary disease. It also provides a genetic profile for some medicines used in treatment. Testing shows inherited predisposition, not whether you have disease or will develop it.

Who the test is for

• people wanting to know more about inherited heart disease predisposition, for example with close relatives who had heart attacks;
• people already having standard preventive tests who want additional inherited-risk information;
• people taking or potentially needing cardiovascular medicines who want to know how genes could affect their action and side effects;
• people wanting to discuss preventive priorities with a doctor.

The test is not intended to detect heart disease. For chest pain or pressure, breathlessness or strong palpitations, call 194 or 112 immediately. When a single-gene inherited disease, such as familial hypercholesterolaemia, is suspected, a doctor refers for targeted genetic testing.

What the test detects

According to its description, several genes contributing to risk of cardiovascular conditions, primarily coronary disease, are analysed. Such variants are common and almost everyone carries some slightly increasing risk. Each has a small effect, so results estimate predisposition and offer general prevention advice.

A medicine profile is part of the report: it can flag potential side effects and help a doctor choose treatment. For a few medicines the gene relationship is well established; for most it is weaker or insufficiently researched.

Limitations matter too. Heart attack and stroke risk is mainly determined by blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, smoking, diabetes and age. European prevention guidelines do not currently recommend genetic risk assessment routinely, so testing does not replace lipid profile, blood pressure measurement or medical assessment.

The test and preparation

A buccal swab is taken by rubbing a stick several times inside the cheek. The procedure is painless and brief, requiring no blood collection. For at least 30 minutes beforehand, do not eat, drink anything except water, smoke or chew gum. Genes do not change during life, so testing is performed once.

What your result means

• Increased genetic predisposition does not mean you will develop disease. It is a reason to check blood pressure, lipids and glucose regularly, not smoke and maintain a healthy weight, as agreed with a doctor.
• Average or lower predisposition does not mean protection. Smoking, high blood pressure or high cholesterol still increase risk.
• Medicine profile show it to the doctor prescribing treatment. Do not change or stop medicines yourself.

A doctor interprets results alongside blood findings, blood pressure, family conditions and lifestyle. Free genetic counselling is also available. An inherited factor directly measurable in blood is lipoprotein(a), while basic heart blood tests are combined in the Cardiovascular health panel.

How to arrange testing

No referral or appointment is needed: a nurse takes the swab at any branch (listed under Contact). Prices for all tests and panels are available in the price list.

Frequently asked questions

Can the test tell whether I will have a heart attack?

No. It shows only inherited predisposition; risk mainly depends on blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes and age.

How does it differ from heart blood tests?

Blood tests show current status, such as LDL cholesterol, and change with treatment. Genetic testing shows inherited predisposition, which does not change.

My father had an early heart attack. Do I need this test?

First steps are a lipid profile, lipoprotein(a), blood pressure and glucose and discussion with a doctor. Genetic testing can add information but does not replace them.

Can I change medicines based on the result?

No. The medicine profile is one piece of information for a doctor. Only they decide on treatment changes.