In order to detect hereditary genetic changes in family members, a state-of-the-art medical technology facility for family screening was set up at the Frontier Lifeline (FLL) hospital in Chennai.

The screening facility is known as Cardiovascular Risk in Young (C-R-Y) clinic, which the hospital authorities claim that it is the first one to offer genetic screening as well as genetic consulting. The C-R-Y clinic will provide evaluation and treatment for people at risk and the families due to genetic pre-disposition.

The launching ceremony was inaugurated by the former DGP of Tamil Nadu, Latika Saran in the presence of Dr K M Cherian, chairman of the hospital group. The ceremony was followed by a unique ‘heart-health conference’. Later, a graduation ceremony for UG students from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R Medical University and Birla Institute of Technology & Science was also held.

Dr Rajaram Anantharaman, Senior Consultant Cardiologist at the hospital said, “screening for family members can be done with diagnostic test such as ECG or Echo for specific genetic changes in a family.  At the moment, no family screening is set up in our country and C-R-Y clinic at FLL is the first one to offer genetic screening as well as genetic consulting”.

The centre is also aiming to launch Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Assessment clinic at FLL to assist and provide treatment for patients suffering from advanced heart failure. This requires treatment like special pacemakers like CRTD, VAD, Cardiac transplant and additional medical therapy like milirinone therapy, said Dr K M Cherian.

Dr. Swaran Singh, director of Industries and Commerce, government of Tamil Nadu was present at the function.