Cardiovascular disease
(CVD) is the most common cause of death in the Western world, and is expected
to become the leading cause of death in developing countries by 2020. A number
of genetic and environmental risk factors have been found or suspected to
predispose to CVD.( e.g. diet, alcohol and drug consumption, smoking and
stress) Genetic susceptibility may be caused by mutations in a variety of genes
mainly involved in blood coagulation,regulation of blood pressure, and
metabolism of lipids, glucose, homocysteine or iron.
Can CVD be hereditary?
YES. In recent years, it
has been found that many CVDs are caused by predispositions to genetic
mutations. These mutations can either be inherited from the mother, the father
or both parents. If a mutation is inherited from both parents, its effect will
be more severe.
What are CVD risk
factors?
- Major
Modifiable factors include Hypertension, high cholesterol,
- smoking
and physical inactivity
- Major
Non-modifiable factors include: Age, Genetics, Gender and Race
-
Contributing Factors include: Diabetes, Obesity, Diet and Stress
What laboratory tests
can I have to check for CVD predisposition?
MedLabs CVD screen tests
for 12 different mutations that predispose to different diseases of the heart
and blood vessels. The test results inform the patient whether he/she is normal
(wild type), have one copy of the gene (heterozygous) or two copies
(homozygous) - one inherited from each parent.
Why take this test?
This CVD risk profile
permits early detection of disease probability, in turn allowing for early
diagnosis and, intervention. This profile allows for:
- Proactive
risk assessment to provide precise risk screening
-
Identification of inherited risks within families (family history)
-
Identification of "hidden" risks in healthy- appearing
individuals
- Early
warning before disease onset
What measures can you
take in order to improve your health
status?
Although genetic
predisposition to CVD cannot be avoided, even for those who have a high risk of
CVD, certain effective, preventive measures can be taken. These include:
- Balanced Diet
- Avoid Smoking
- Exercise
- Healthy Life style