Heart disease is the number one cause of death, making heart health a priority for everyone. Heart disease, though, is a catch-all term that applies to many different conditions. These articles will show you where your genetic susceptibility lies, give you ideas of what may work best for prevention, and let you know what could be important to talk to your doctor about.
Wondering where to start?
There are several important variants in the PCSK9 gene. Some variants cause lower LDL-cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart disease by 2-fold. Other variants increase LDL-c and increase the risk of heart disease.
Nitric Oxide Synthase is an important signaling molecule in the endothelium of our blood vessels. It has roles in the regulation of blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, brain health, and more. Genetic variants in nitric oxide genes are important for a healthy heart. Find out how your genes could play a part in the interactions with cardiovascular disease risk and blood pressure.
Hypertension risk can be modifiable in terms of diet and exercise however genetics can play a part in risk. Learn more about how the CYP11B2 variant can increase the risk of hypertension.
High triglycerides are linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Both genetics and diet combine to elevate triglyceride levels. Learn how your genes interact with what you eat to lower your triglycerides.
A couple of common mutations can cause you to build up iron, leading to iron overload or hemochromatosis. It is one genetic disease where knowledge is really powerful – you can completely prevent hemochromatosis through blood donations.
Plant sterols are known as a ‘heart-healthy’ way to lower cholesterol. But, it turns out that they may only lower cholesterol only in people with certain genetic variants. Check your genes to see if adding plant sterols is worthwhile for you.
One cause of many of the diseases of aging is the buildup of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Your genes interact with your diet – and cooking methods – in the build-up of AGEs. Learn whether this is something that is important for you to focus on. (Member’s article)
A core circadian rhythm gene, BMAL1, influences heart disease risk, diabetes, and cancer. Check your genes and learn how to mitigate the risk.
There are several causes of high blood pressure. Genetic variants in the AGTR1 gene are strongly linked with blood pressure and there are specific lifestyle changes that should work to change your blood pressure if you carry the variants.
Statins are one of the most prescribed medications in the world. One side effect of statins is myopathy, or muscle pain and weakness. Your genetic variants are significant in whether you are likely to have side effects from statins.
The PIA2 variant of the ITGB3 gene is linked to an increased risk of blood clots including stroke, heart attack, and DVT. But this variant also comes with a positive trade-off. Learn more with your genetic raw data.
Chronic inflammation is the driver of many common diseases such as heart attacks, diabetes, obesity, and autoimmune diseases. C-Reactive Protein is a marker of inflammation. Genetic variants can increase or decrease CRP levels.
Genetic variants in the prothrombin gene increase the risk of blood clots (DVTs). Learn if you carry this risk factor for miscarriage, blood clots, and stroke.
The factor V Leiden genetic mutation significantly increases the lifetime risk of blood clots. Check your genetic data to see if you carry this mutation – and then learn to recognize the symptoms of blood clots.
HDL cholesterol levels are considered to be about half due to genes with the rest due to diet, infection, etc. Learn more about the genetic variants that influence HDL cholesterol and how it affects heart health.
Utilize our Heart Health Topic Summary Reports with your 23andMe or AncestryDNA genetic data to see which articles may be most relevant to you. These summaries are attempting to distill the complex information down into just a few words. Please see the linked articles for details and complete references. (Member’s article)
Wondering if you should cut down on red meat and fat to lower your blood pressure? According to a new study, it could depend on your genes.
Wondering how your genes influence your reaction to coffee? Find out if you will benefit from drinking coffee and how this interacts with your genes. (Member’s article)