Every cardiac network in the United Kingdom should ensure that its population has access to specialised services for inherited cardiovascular conditions, recommends an expert report published this week, after a survey showed that capacity is insufficient to meet current or anticipated future needs.

The Foundation for Genomics and Population Health worked with a group of NHS cardiologists, geneticists, service commissioners and managers, and representatives from patients’ groups to conduct a detailed assessment of the needs of people with inherited cardiovascular conditions, such as arrhythmia syndrome and cardiomyopathies. The working group also reviewed services for affected people.

A survey of regional genetics centres showed that the capacity for inherited cardiovascular conditions was inadequate, with huge variations in access to …