For the last 10 years our knowledge in medical genetics has revolutionized out understanding of disease. We know now that certain conditions are definitely inherited and we can identify their inheritance better. This is very important for counseling and for patient management.

Above you can see the normal chromosomes in a female patient. By looking at chromosomes doctors can dertermine if there are extra numbers, less numbers, deletions or additions to those chromosomes.

For example, sometimes at chromosome 21 (Down Syndrome) you'll find an extra 21 chromosome. Of course, this is a very important condition because chromosome 21 is associated with some significant heart defects, specifically Atrial Septal Defect (AV Canal).