An integrated cardiometabolic genetic testing program in a predominantly Hispanic population within a community setting
Genetic testing for heart and metabolic disease works well and feels acceptable to Hispanic patients in underserved Texas clinics.
Baylor College of Medicine deployed a comprehensive genome sequencing-based cardiometabolic panel to 776 patients (92% Hispanic) at community clinics in South Texas, identifying actionable findings across monogenic disease genes, LPA risk, pharmacogenomics, and polygenic risk in the majority. Patients reported highly favorable perceptions of genetic testing, supporting feasibility of precision medicine in historically underserved Hispanic communities.
What the study was
- Study design
- Prospective community-based genomic screening program
- Population
- Community cardiology and endocrinology clinic patients, 92% Hispanic, South Texas (ages 18–92)
- Sample size
- 776
- Category
- Genomics/Precision Medicine
- Maturity
- Validated
- Journal
- Genetics in Medicine
Why it surfaced
First prospective community-based cardiometabolic genomic testing program in a predominantly Hispanic population; high actionable yield (>90% of patients received clinically meaningful findings); addresses major health equity gap in precision medicine for Latino/Hispanic communities.
A plain-language summary of published research — not medical advice. Talk to a clinician about your own care.