We often hear that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. This statistic is especially top of mind during February, which is American Heart Month and Heart Month in many other countries. But did you know that ~50% of adults over 40 may have hidden heart disease, and 80% of cardiovascular disease is preventable?
For those looking to take control of their heart health, learning about your risk factors, including what your genetics might say about your risk, is an important first step. 23andMe offers four kinds of genetic reports related to heart health:
Genetic Health Risk Reports*: Rare genetic variants that lead to high risk for heart attack, heart failure, and/or stroke. Included in the Health + Ancestry, 23andMe+ Premium, and Total Health services
- Familial Hypercholesterolemia
- Hereditary Amyloidosis (TTR-Related)
Learn what Paulo did after finding out he had a genetic variant in the TTR gene
Polygenic Risk Scores*: Combinations of common genetic variants that impact the chances of developing heart-related conditions and traits. Included in the 23andMe+ Premium and Total Health
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Coronary Artery Disease
- High Blood Pressure
- LDL Cholesterol
- HDL Cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Type 2 Diabetes (also included in the Health + Ancestry service)
Pharmacogenetics Reports**: Genetic variants that impact how your body may process certain heart-related medications. Included in 23andMe+ Premium and Total Health
- SLCO1B1 Drug Transport
- Simvastatin Medication Insight
- CYP2C19 Drug Metabolism
- Clopidogrel Medication Insight
Exome-based Reports for Total Health™ members?: Comprehensive genetic screen of high-impact, actionable genetic variants associated with arrhythmia syndromes, aortic and other blood vessel syndromes, cardiomyopathies, and high cholesterol and heart attack.
- Hereditary Cardiovascular Disease (44 genes tested)
While genetics influences the likelihood of developing heart disease, lifestyle—diet, exercise, sleep and stress—often plays an outsized role in heart health. While you can’t change your genetics, you can do a lot to protect the health of your heart by changing your lifestyle. Cutting out smoking, reducing stress, exercising more, and eating right can go a long way towards keeping your heart healthy.
Finally, getting regular recommended screenings for things like your cholesterol and blood pressure can help you know where your current heart health stands, and if there may be any lifestyle or other changes you may need to make. In addition to these common biomarkers, advanced blood tests for heart health can include other lipids associated with increased risk of heart disease, including:
- Apolipoprotein B (ApoB). The main protein in several types of “bad” cholesterol, including LDL.
- Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)). A type of LDL “bad” cholesterol. Lp(a) particles are considered the most “sticky” and therefore most likely to cause blockages.
While heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, understanding and managing your heart health is within your control. By learning about your genetic risks, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, and monitoring key biomarkers, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing cardiovascular conditions. Taking action today can pave the way for a healthier tomorrow, and with the right tools and knowledge, you can take charge of your heart health at any age.
Disclaimers:
*The 23andMe PGS test includes health predisposition and carrier status reports. Health predisposition reports include both reports that meet FDA requirements for genetic health risks and PRS reports which are based on a genetic model that includes data and insights from 23andMe consented research participants, and have not been reviewed by the FDA. The test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting genetic health risks and reporting carrier status. It is not intended to diagnose any disease. Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. Each genetic health risk report describes if a person has variants associated with a higher risk of developing a disease, but does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing the disease. Each PRS report describes if a person has a certain likelihood of developing a condition, but does not describe a person’s overall likelihood. The test is not intended to tell you anything about your current state of health, or to be used to make medical decisions, including whether or not you should take a medication, how much of a medication you should take, or determine any treatment. Our carrier status reports can be used to determine carrier status, but cannot determine if you have two copies of any genetic variant. These carrier reports are not intended to tell you anything about your risk for developing a disease in the future, the health of your fetus, or your newborn child’s risk of developing a particular disease later in life. For certain conditions, we provide a single report that includes information on both carrier status and genetic health risk. Warnings & Limitations:. These reports are for over-the-counter use by adults, and provide genetic information to inform discussions with a healthcare professional. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional for recommended screenings or appropriate follow-up. Results should be confirmed by an independent genetic test prescribed by your own healthcare provider before taking any medical action. For important information and limitations regarding genetic health risk reports, visit 23andme.com/test-info/.
**23andMe PGS Pharmacogenetics reports: The 23andMe test uses qualitative genotyping to detect 3 variants in the CYP2C19 gene, and 1 variant in the SLCO1B1 gene in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting information about the processing of certain therapeutics to inform discussions with a healthcare professional. It does not describe if a person will or will not respond to a particular therapeutic. Our CYP2C19 Pharmacogenetics report provides certain information about variants associated with metabolism of some therapeutics and provides interpretive drug information regarding the potential effect of citalopram and clopidogrel therapy. Our SLCO1B1 Pharmacogenetics report provides certain information about variants associated with the processing of some therapeutics and provides interpretive drug information regarding the potential effect of simvastatin therapy. Results for certain CYP2C19 results should be confirmed by an independent genetic test prescribed by your own healthcare provider before taking any medical action. Warning: Test information should not be used to start, stop, or change any course of treatment and does not test for all possible variants that may affect metabolism or protein function. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional. Making changes to your current regimen can lead to harmful side effects or reduced intended benefits of your medication, therefore consult with your healthcare professional before taking any medical action. For important information and limitations regarding Pharmacogenetic reports, visit 23andme.com/test-info/pharmacogenetics/
? Exome Sequencing and blood testing services are available to eligible customers upon completion of the intake questionnaire that must be reviewed, approved and ordered by a third-party clinician. Exome Sequencing is analyzed by a CLIA- and CAP-accredited laboratory. Blood testing is completed by Quest Diagnostics. All telehealth services are provided in accordance with the Telehealth Terms and Consent to Telehealth.
