A new study found that genetic tests might unexpectedly be finding that some of the genes that make up an individual’s genome have a connection with heart disease. And while this discovery might be unexpected for the individuals having genetic testing done, it is also unexpected for those that are analyzing the genetic testing results.
But just because the results of a test might be unexpected doesn’t necessarily mean that it can’t be helpful information. The important thing now that we are learning this information is to have a better idea of what the next steps are.
Genetic testing is being used more and more these days. We see it being used for medical purposes as obtaining and understanding this information has taken some gigantic leaps forward over the past several years. Doctors can now help patients by looking at their patients’ genetic information and interpreting what the potential repercussions might be. It allows doctors to help identify potential risk factors with a lot more ease. Heart disease is one of these things that they are now better able to understand the risk regarding.
But genetic tests can be done for more recreational or personal reasons now, too. Things like Ancestry and 23andMe utilize genetic testing to help individuals better understand their familial roots and all that comes with that. Some of the results of this have been unexpected. For example, some people have found out that the people that they thought were their parents were not biologically related to them. Genetic info even helped to track down a serial killer.
While these services aren’t specifically looking for health information, they definitely have the capability of doing so. Some services will even ask if potential health risks are something that you would like more information about.
Using this information productively is the next step. For most people, that means consulting with a medical professional. While there’s nothing that you can do to change your genetic makeup, your genetic profile doesn’t necessarily mean that you are destined to be a victim of the things that you are more at risk of. Preventative care can go a long way toward helping to improve someone’s prognosis. While it is not a perfect approach, it can drastically improve the odds in someone’s favor. Making a few major lifestyle changes if you know you are more likely to suffer from heart disease can help to make sure that it never becomes the major issue that it otherwise might have been.
This research came out of the American Heart Association. They published their findings in the medical journal, Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine.
There’s no perfect way to avoid some health issues, but if you know ahead of time what your risks are you become better able to mitigate those risks.
Having a good team on your side can help. It starts with medical providers in this case, but for seniors that need some extra attention, a good senior care team is also important. These things are closely related, but two very different things.
We are happy to talk more with you about senior care and how it can help improve the quality of life that your older loved ones experience. Get in touch with us today to get started.
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