Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/233706
Mercy Implements Genetic Testing for Heart Patients M We've made our ERCY MEDICAL CENTER, Canton, Ohio, and Mercy Cardiovascular Institute (MCI) now offer genetic testing as part of their standard of care for heart patients. Another tool in the fight against heart disease, a comprehensive genetic cardiac panel test provides individualized drug metabolism and cardiovascular risk assessments. Testing is done by a simple cheek swab and is covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans. The MCI cardiac panel test consists of two elements. First, the drug metabolism of the CYP450 system allows physicians to determine if patients can properly metabolize Clopidogrel (Plavix), Warfarin (Coumadin) and Beta Blockers. Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) enzyme is involved in the liver's metabolism of several critically important drugs like Plavix, an anti-blood clotting medication. According to a 2010 FDA announcement, about 2–14 percent of the population are poor metabolizers of Plavix based on CYP2C19 function. These patients do not effectively convert Plavix to its active form because of low CYP2C19 activity, which reduces the drug's effectiveness as a preventative therapy for heart attacks, unstable angina, stroke and cardiovascular death. The second element of the genetic test is the cardiovascular risk assessment. Studies have indicated that people with these gene variants carry double or even triple the risk of death from heart attack or stroke compared to people with normal metabolism. Genetic testing can help identify those at higher risk, enabling physicians to adjust their treatment. ■ rounds... so you can keep making yours. Buckingham's health and medicine lawyers provide legal services to physicians, hospitals, long-term care facilities and home care agencies. Our experience and well-deserved reputation will help you get back to delivering quality health care services your patients deserve. Akron 3800 Embassy Pkwy. Suite 300 Akron, OH 44333 330.376.5300 Canton 4518 Fulton Dr. NW Canton, OH 44718 330.492.8717 b d b l a w. c o m Cleveland 1375 E. 9th St. Suite 1700 Cleveland, OH 44114 216.621.5300