Specialist Services Committee helps fund new program for those with an inherited heart rhythm condition

Providence Health Care, Island Health, and the Provincial Health Services Authority announced this morning that a new heart program funded in part by the Specialist Services Committee will improve the overall care of families living with an inherited heart rhythm condition.

SSC, a joint collaborative committee of the BCMA and the Ministry of Health, granted approximately $500,000 in funding, and Cardiac Services BC will support the ongoing sustainability in collaboration with the regional health authorities.

The newly launched BC Inherited Arrhythmia Program (BCIAP) combines the expertise of specialists in adult and pediatric cardiology as well as medical genetics to identify, screen, and manage families affected by inherited heart rhythm conditions. By providing this new model of care, the BCIAP is improving patient access to ‘cardiogenetic’ services and continuity of care for patients and families at risk in BC.

Approximately 7,000 people in BC have an inherited heart rhythm condition, which predisposes them to sudden cardiac arrest or sudden death. If these risks are known, they may be prevented through the use of medication or implantable defibrillators.

Keith and Anne Hatlelid connected with the program after the sudden, unexpected death of their 19-year old son. Subsequent testing revealed that it is probable his death was caused by an inherited heart rhythm condition.

“Your worst fear is that it’s going to happen again. It's something that you don’t want to even think about, but it becomes something new that you worry about every day,” said Anne Hatlelid. “The fact that somebody understood this fear and was committed to working with us to do everything possible to reduce the risk that our family and other families will experience this type of loss has provided us with a great deal of comfort.”

In addition to providing excellent patient care, the program will also raise awareness and provide educational opportunities to health care providers and the public.

If you are concerned about your family history of an inherited heart rhythm condition or a sudden unexplained death in the family, please discuss this history with your family doctor, who can determine if a referral to the program is indicated.

To learn more about the program, please see the full news release here.