Why are we interested in studying myocarditis?

One disease of interest to the Helix Research Network™ is myocarditis. Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle. It may be caused by viral infections, certain drugs and vaccines, or autoimmune diseases. Some cases of myocarditis are diagnosed after COVID-19 infection or after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. However, the relationship between COVID-19 and myocarditis is not clear. Helix is interested in understanding whether an individual's genes (or DNA) may play a role in the development of myocarditis especially after COVID-19 infection or vaccination. We are reaching out to individuals with myocarditis to participate in the Helix Research Network^TM. The genetic and health information from individuals with myocarditis will help support research that may help us better understand who develops the disease and how to treat it better in the future.

Note: If you choose to enroll, you will not receive any results directly related to your myocarditis

What is the Helix Research Network™?

The Helix Research Network^TM (HRN) is a community health research program. This research program is sponsored by Helix, a leading population genomics company. If you choose to participate, you will be asked to provide health information and a sample for DNA sequencing. DNA, or your genetic information, is the code that tells your body how to function. The Helix Research Network^TM aims to help improve access to personalized health care and to support new research discoveries through development of a research database that will store genetic and health information from participants for future use by qualified researchers. Over time, this database will help researchers learn what may cause certain diseases, how to treat them more effectively, and help improve the standard of healthcare for all.

This research program is offered at no cost to you. You do not need insurance to participate. All participants in the Helix Research Network^TM are offered confidential results about their genetic risk three hereditary conditions that can cause certain cancers and heart disease:

• Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC)
• Hereditary Colon Cancer (Lynch Syndrome)
• Hereditary high cholesterol (Familial hypercholesterolemia)

You will also have the opportunity to learn about your ancestry and certain traits like gluten tolerance, caffeine sensitivity and more.

Currently, enrollment in the Helix Research Network^TM directly with Helix is limited to participants with myocarditis.