Cardiovascular Genetics Center
Unlike heart conditions caused by diet and lifestyle, inherited cardiovascular diseases result from genetic mutations. These mutations can cause several types of cardiovascular disease as well as syndromes that affect many areas of the body, including the heart and blood vessels.
The Pediatric Cardiovascular Genetics Center offers expert testing, diagnosis and treatment for these conditions in a family-oriented setting. Our team includes pediatric specialists in noninvasive and interventional cardiology, electrophysiology and genetics. We work with each other and with patients' families to meet each child's needs, addressing symptoms and taking steps to prevent or minimize future heart problems. Because these conditions require lifelong care, we also work closely with our counterparts in UCSF's adult cardiology department, the Cardiovascular Genetics Program, to help our growing patients transition seamlessly to adult care.
Our center's researchers have been at the forefront of discoveries in inherited cardiovascular disease, including the identification of many of the underlying genes. As our patient, your child will receive care from specialists who are leaders in their field and trained in the latest treatment approaches.
For your family's convenience, we offer telehealth visits with our cardiovascular genetic specialists through all of the Pediatric Heart Center's satellite locations.
Our locations (3)
Highlights of our heart care
A whole-child approach
We believe in caring for the whole child. This means addressing all of your child's medical needs while also nurturing their emotional, developmental and social well-being.
Built for kids
We're part of a children's hospital, and pediatric heart care is our only focus – we don't treat adults. All our doctors and nurses are specially trained in caring for babies and children, and our facilities and equipment were designed with their needs in mind.
Extra support for patients
Child life specialists are experts in helping kids cope with medical procedures and hospitalization. Using play, education and therapeutic techniques tailored to the child's age and needs, they make the health care experience more positive for the whole family.
Extra support for families
Our Family Resource Center provides information, amenities and comfort to parents and other caregivers, making it easier for you to remain with your child during a hospitalization.
Our team
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Othman A. Aljohani
MD, MPH
Pediatric cardiologist -
Karyn Austin
MD, PhD
Pediatric cardiologist and electrophysiologist -
Kishor Avasarala
MD
Pediatric cardiologist -
Shabnam Peyvandi
MD, MAS
Pediatric cardiologist -
Emilio Quezada
MD
Pediatric cardiologist -
Joyce So
MD, PhD
Medical geneticist -
Ronn Tanel
MD
Pediatric cardiologist and electrophysiologist -
Christina V. Theodoris
MD, PhD
Medical geneticist -
Athena Angelopoulos
CGC, MS
Genetic counselor -
Rachel Farrell
LCGC, MS
Genetic counselor -
Julianne Wojciak
LCGC, MS
Genetic counselor
Awards & recognition
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Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
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Best in Northern California for cardiology & heart surgery
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- Insurance authorization, if required
- Doctor's referral, if required
- Recent test results related to your child's condition
- List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
Related clinics (10)
20
Cardiology Clinic
2
Congenital Heart Disease Young Adult Transition Program
14
Fetal Cardiovascular Program
Healthy Hearts & Minds Program
4
Heart Failure & Transplant Program
2
Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Inherited Cardiac Arrhythmias Program
Support services
Our research initiatives
Fetal surgery firsts
The first open fetal surgery in the world was performed at UCSF in the early 1980s.
