Cardio PGx Test

Cardio PGx Test

Your Heart. Your DNA. Your Treatment.

Your heart deserves the very best.

The PGx Cardio Test helps you understand how your genes may influence the way your body responds to heart medications. By revealing insights unique to your DNA, it enables your healthcare professional to choose the safest and most effective treatments for you, optimizing your well-being and protecting your heart health for the long term.

In Canada, millions of people take medication every day to treat or prevent heart disease. With the PGx Cardio Test, every treatment can be better tailored to your genetic profile because your health is as unique as you are.

This test is useful for patients who:

  • Are currently taking or plan to take heart medications (see list of covered drugs)
  • Have already experienced side effects related to medications for cardiovascular diseases
  • Are about to start treatment with one of the following drugs: statins, clopidogrel, metoprolol, warfarin
  • Are taking multiple medications (three or more) and are experiencing issues with effectiveness or side effects
  • Have a personal or family history of drug intolerance or treatment failure

Optimizing cholesterol treatment

The Cardio PGx test can be a valuable tool for individuals currently taking statins and experiencing muscle pain, a side effect that affects up to 25% of patients. [1]

This test can help:

  • Minimize muscle pain by guiding your clinician toward a more suitable statin and/or dosage. [2]
  • Continue your cholesterol-lowering treatment in a personalized way to maintain its heart-protective benefits.

Choosing the right medication to prevent blood clots

The Cardio PGx test may also be useful if you are about to start clopidogrel/Plavix® after a stroke, heart attack, or before a heart procedure (such as placing a small expandable metal tube, or “stent,” to open a blocked artery).

For clopidogrel to be effective, it must be activated by an enzyme called CYP2C19. However, approximately 30% of the general population does not have enough of this enzyme, which can reduce the effectiveness of the medication.[3]

The test can show whether your body can properly activate clopidogrel. If it cannot, your doctor can choose a more suitable treatment, helping to reduce the risk of blood clots and strokes by approximately 40% (4.5% risk with PGx vs. 7.0% without PGx). [4,5]

Main categories of medication covered by the Cardio PGx test

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEI)

Antiarrhythmics

Anticoagulants

Antiplatelets

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

Beta-blockers

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs)

Diuretics

Lipid-lowering agent

Selective cholesterol-absorption inhibitor

Statins

Click here for the list of all medications covered

Advantages of the PGx Cardio test

Over 62 medications covered

Over 62 medications covered

A simple saliva sample is enough

A simple saliva sample is enough

Results in 10 business days

Results in 10 business days

Dosage recommendations

Dosage recommendations

Comparison of PGx Tests for heart medication

Feature Biron Most Competitors Benefit to You
Gene & Medication Coverage Widest range (cardiovascular focus, 60+ meds) Limited panels (fewer genes and meds) More accurate, personalized recommendations
Turnaround Time Results delivered in 10 business days Typically, 2–3 weeks Faster access to results and treatment adjustments
Expert Guidance Included Included with every test; personalized consultation with a clinical pharmacist is included with every test to support both patients and healthcare providers Not always included Expert guidance for safer prescribing
Trusted by Patients and Providers High satisfaction scores reflect our commitment to service, clarity, and clinical impact Varies Confidence in quality and service experience
Comprehensive Options Available (Mental Health & Pain & Cardio) - One trusted provider for multiple conditions
Strict Data Privacy Protections All genetic data is handled with the highest level of confidentiality and stored securely in Canada, in compliance with provincial and federal privacy laws - Security and confidentiality of genetic information
Accredited Laboratory Standards Testing is conducted in certified laboratories that meet rigorous quality and accreditation standards to ensure reliability and accuracy - Reliable and accurate results
Talk to your doctor about the test

Talk to your doctor about the test

Want to talk to your doctor about pharmacogenomic testing?
Download the documentation to start the conversation.

Download the guide
Download the requisition
Learn more

How does the pharmacogenomic test work?

Step 1

Order your test online

Choose one or more genetic tests from our online store. Receive your kit within 2 to 3 business days. 
Order your test online
Step 2

Collect your sample

Follow the instructions in the kit, then send your sample using the prepaid return envelope.
Collect your sample
Step 3

Receive your report and a free consultation

Your results will be available within 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the test, after we receive your sample. Meet with one of our specialists to review your results.
Receive your report and a free consultation
Order the test
At Biron, safeguarding your privacy is our core commitment.

At Biron, safeguarding your privacy is our core commitment.

Ensuring the security and confidentiality of your information is a top priority for us. Your genetic data is encrypted on multiple levels and stored on Canadian servers that meet or exceed the most stringent security standards. No information is ever disclosed to third parties without your consent.

Avoid the lengthy process of trial and error. Order your test today.

Avoid the lengthy process of trial and error. Order your test today.

1 855 943-6379
Buy a test online

Frequently asked questions about genetic testing, pharmacogenomics, and nutrition

FAQ

Can I do the test without a prescription?

My doctor doesn't know about the test, but I'd like to have it done.

Can I combine this genetic test with others?

Is DNA testing covered by insurance plans?

Do I have to stop taking my medication to do the test?

Sources5
  1. Warden et al. Assessment and management of statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS): A clinical perspective from the National Lipid Association. Journal of Clinical Lipidology (2023) 17:19-39.
  2. Cooper-DeHoff et al. The Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium Guideline for SLCO1B1, ABCG2, and CYP2C9 genotypes and Statin-Associated Musculoskeletal Symptoms. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (2022) 111:1007-1021.
  3. Koopmans et al. Meta-analysis of probability estimates of worldwide variation of CYP2D6 and CYP2C19. Translational Psychiatry (2021) 11:141.
  4. Lee et al. Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium Guideline for CYP2C19 Genotype and Clopidogrel Therapy: 2022 Update. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (2022) 112(5):959-967.
  5. Ingraham et al. Genetic-Guided Oral P2Y12 Inhibitor Selection and Cumulative Ischemic Events After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention. JACC Cardiovascular Interventions (2023) 16:816-825.