If you don’t know much about history, or more specifically your family health history, you should take some time to learn it because it is so important for managing your health.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Family-Tree1-300x200.jpg" alt="" class="alignright wp-image-22113 size-medium" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Family-Tree1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Family-Tree1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Family-Tree1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Family-Tree1-880x587.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Family-Tree1-1180x787.jpg 1180w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
Family health history is often the cornerstone of every medical record. It adds another dimension to your health profile, and it gives your doctor —and you —&nbsp; information to use to assist in your wellbeing.
<h6>What You Don&#8217;t Know 
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But many people often don’t know much beyond their own parents’ health, and some of us, particularly those who were adopted, might not even have that information. We might not know what our uncles or aunts or grandparents died from. 
We may have no idea of the health conditions that they lived with. But knowing this information offers important insights into our own health. 
That’s because just as genetic information from your 23andMe results can alert you to a previously unknown health risk, your family history, can also tell you a bit more about conditions you may have inherited from the generations that came before you. 
<h6>Looking Back to See Future Risks 
</h6>
Serious health conditions are sometimes run through families, sometimes skipping a generation or two. It helps to document some of the conditions that the relatives in our family tree faced to better understand our own health risks
While most people know that this information can be critical to their health, many people either do not know or have never tried to document this information. More than a decade ago, the U.S. Surgeon General kicked off an effort to change that by instituting<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/famhistory/index.htm"> National Family History Day</a>.
“Family history can identify people at high risk for many common diseases,” <a href="https://blogs-origin.cdc.gov/genomics/2018/11/19/happy-thanksgiving-2018/">said Muin J Khoury,</a>&nbsp; the Director, Office of Public Health Genomics, Centers for Disease, in a blog post last year. “In many cases, having at least one first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) for some diseases doubles the person’s risk for the same disease. The risk is even higher if there are several affected relatives in the family, and affected relatives develop the disease at an early age.”
<h6>The Holiday</h6>
Because Thanksgiving is such a family-centric holiday, each year since 2004, the national holiday has doubled as a day not just to eat turkey and pie, but to talk to family and attempt to document health history.
To make it easier for families, the surgeon general even set up a simple and shareable tool for families to document their own health history called<a href="https://phgkb.cdc.gov/FHH/html/index.html"> My Family Health Portrait</a>. It allows you and your family members to create a family tree, write down health conditions and together create a powerful document to help you manage your health.&nbsp;
Knowing and acting on your family health history can prove life-saving in your own health.&nbsp;
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23andMe Blog

23andMe Blog Team

Learn Your Family Health History

By Eloycsia Ratliff, MPH, 23andMe Medical Education Project Manager
Editor&#8217;s note: This is the third in an occasional series about 23andMe&#8217;s Medical Education program.
This month, the American Academy of Family Physicians host their annual <a href="https://www.aafp.org/events/fmx.html">Family Medicine Experience</a> (FMX) in Philadelphia, their largest meeting meant to inspire medical professionals focused on family medicine and primary care. Over 5,000 medical professionals, including family physicians and healthcare companies (including health technology), will be in attendance&#8211;and so will 23andMe. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor-236x300.jpg" alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-27331" width="236" height="300" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor-236x300.jpg 236w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor-768x975.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor-693x880.jpg 693w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor.jpg 788w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 236px) 100vw, 236px" />
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The&nbsp;emergence of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing and questions from healthcare professionals such as family doctors surrounding this topic, have made it important for companies like 23andMe to have a presence to help providers understand more about what 23andMe offers consumers.
<h6>Improving Patient Care</h6>
One of the themes of the conference this year is to inspire family doctors to “remember why they fell in love with family medicine” in the first place. Many of the presentations, showcases and events during the four-day conference focus on identifying new patient care solutions, which can provide family medicine doctors with innovative ways to approach, and ultimately improve patient care.&nbsp;
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23andMe believes knowledge about genetics — both among consumers and healthcare professionals — has the potential to improve health outcomes. At this year’s FMX, 23andMe’s Medical team plans to highlight how our service works and how family doctors can help their patients use genetic information to make more informed decisions about their health.&nbsp;
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<h6>Where and When</h6>
On Thursday, September 26th at 9:30am, 23andMe’s Medical Education Lead, Anne Greb, MS, CGC, will host an interactive Learning Lab entitled “Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing in Your Practice.” The session will cover need-to-know information about DTC genetic testing including an overview of the consumer experience, the type of information consumers receive in their 23andMe health reports, consumer motivations for DTC genetic testing, and next steps for both consumers and healthcare providers based on the report outcomes.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Learning Lab sessions provide an opportunity for companies like 23andMe to highlight important clinical topics as they relate to their products and services. These 30-minute educational sessions are open to all conference attendees and are a great way to stay in-the-know about new advances in health technology.
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In addition to the Learning Lab session, 23andMe will host a booth in the exhibit hall (booth #401). We will be there to answer questions and provide resources such as the ability for family doctors to explore different customer demo accounts so they can better understand their patients’ experiences with 23andMe.
<h6>Learn More</h6>
For 23andMe, attending the FMX is one way we can inform HCPs about our services so they are more knowledgeable when their patients, our customers, are discovering their genetic information through 23andMe&#8217;s <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-health-ancestry/">Health + Ancestry Service</a>.&nbsp;
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If you are a healthcare professional and interested in learning more about 23andMe&#8217;s health reports and educational resources, we invite you to <a href="https://medical.23andme.com/join/">join our HCP community</a>. You will receive regular updates on new report launches and information about upcoming educational programs and other engagement opportunities.&nbsp;
Want to find out more? Check out the other two posts about the program:
• <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/education/common-misconceptions-healthcare-professionals-have-about-23andme/">Common Misconceptions Healthcare Professionals Have about 23andMe</a>
• <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/health-traits/medical-education-at-23andme/">Medical Education at 23andMe</a>
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Eloycsia Ratliff

23andMe At Healthcare Professionals Conference

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By Eloycsia Ratliff, MPH, 23andMe Medical Education Project Manager
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Editor’s note: This is the first post in an occasional series explaining our Medical Education program.&nbsp;
It is no secret that the evolving field of genomic medicine is changing at a rate that is surpassing healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) ability to keep up. Along with that, the growing popularity of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing, means that more and more conversations between patients and their healthcare provider revolve around genetics. These twin forces are creating a need for more medical education.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor-236x300.jpg" alt="" class="alignright wp-image-27331 size-medium" width="236" height="300" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor-236x300.jpg 236w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor-768x975.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor-693x880.jpg 693w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor.jpg 788w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 236px) 100vw, 236px" />
At 23andMe, we believe knowledge about genetics — both among consumers and HCPs — has the potential to improve health outcomes. Our Medical Education program supports HCPs who want to incorporate DTC genetic testing into patient care. By learning more about our service, HCPs will be more prepared to have meaningful conversations with their patients who want to discuss 23andMe reports.
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This offers an opportunity to prepare for the wave of consumer interest in genetic testing for health information. It is estimated that over <a href="https://www.technologyreview.com/s/612880/more-than-26-million-people-have-taken-an-at-home-ancestry-test/">26 million people </a>have taken a DTC genetic test. A desire to learn more about their health is one of the leading motivations for genetic testing. Studies show about 30 percent of individuals who have tested share their information with their healthcare providers.

<h6>What does Medical Education Look Like at 23andMe?</h6>
23andMe has a Healthcare Professionals website, <a href="https://medical.23andme.com/">medical.23andme.com</a>, with educational resources for HCPs so they can understand the consumer experience. Among those resources are samples of all of our 125+ reports, <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Med-Ed-300x294.jpg" alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-27325" width="300" height="294" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Med-Ed-300x294.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Med-Ed.jpg 761w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />including our Health Predisposition, Carrier Status, Wellness, <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-ancestry/">Traits and Ancestry</a> report categories*. In addition, multiple sample reports representing various outcomes for many of our health reports are provided. The site also has information on the scientific process behind our FDA-authorized Genetic Health Risk and Carrier Status reports.*&nbsp;
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Other resources on our website include on-demand <a href="https://medical.23andme.com/resources/#webinars">webinars</a>, educational blogs, and information about continuing medical education (CME) credit opportunities. There is an events calendar where HCPs can find information on upcoming medical conferences we are attending and educational programs we are sponsoring. Through our education initiatives, we hope as patients come in to discuss results from their 23andMe health report, HCPs will either be prepared to immediately address their concerns or know exactly where to find informative physician-friendly resources — adding more value both to the reports and the overall visit.&nbsp;
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<h6>Who Are We?</h6>
<div id="attachment_27327" style="width: 260px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-27327" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/23andMe-24-Version-2-250x250.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-27327 size-full" width="250" height="250" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/23andMe-24-Version-2-250x250.jpg 250w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/23andMe-24-Version-2-250x250-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" />Anne Greb, MS, CGC</div>
23andMe’s Medical Education program is led by Anne Greb, MS, CGC, a board-certified genetic counselor with over 25 years of experience in genetic counseling program leadership, medical education and administration. Anne is responsible for leading and developing educational initiatives that equip healthcare professionals to better integrate personalized genetic information into the everyday care of their patients.&nbsp;
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Medical Education project manager, Eloycsia Ratliff, MPH, is a healthcare professional with over eight years of experience working in health education, epidemiology and research, and project management at both the local and state levels. Eloycsia serves as a health education expert and lead on managing projects that elevate 23andMe in the clinical environment.
<div id="attachment_27328" style="width: 260px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-27328" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/23andMe-8-Version-2-250x250.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-27328 size-full" width="250" height="250" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/23andMe-8-Version-2-250x250.jpg 250w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/23andMe-8-Version-2-250x250-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" />Eloycsia Ratliff, MPH</div>
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The <a href="https://medical.23andme.com/medical-team/">Medical Education team</a> is part of a larger Medical team at 23andMe including, Medical Affairs, Medical Outreach, and Advocacy.&nbsp;
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<h6>23andMe Healthcare Community</h6>
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If you are a healthcare professional and interested in learning more about 23andMe’s Medical Education Program, join our healthcare community. We have a community of over 20,000 healthcare professionals ranging from genetic counselors; physicians of all specialties;&nbsp; scientists; to researchers and educators. Our community has access to timely and targeted educational resources linked to specific reports, which has been useful in helping HCPs understand and interpret our reports. In addition, our healthcare community receives regular updates on the latest 23andMe features and information about upcoming educational programs and engagement opportunities. We want our HCP community to be at the forefront of information so they are better prepared for their patients’ questions.&nbsp;
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23andMe recognizes that enhanced awareness and knowledge of genetics is beyond our service and more about the long-term value this information can have on patients’ lives.
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For more information on how to join, visit our Healthcare Professionals’ website <a href="https://medical.23andme.com/">https://medical.23andme.com/</a>.
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Stay tuned for our next blog post in August, where we will discuss common misconceptions HCPs have about 23andMe. Also, check out 23andMe’s new MUTYH-Associated Polyposis Genetic Health Risk report* released in June. You can find sample reports and on-demand report walk-throughs on our website.
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*The 23andMe PGS test includes health predisposition and carrier status reports. Health predisposition reports include both reports that meet US FDA requirements for genetic health risks and the 23andMe Type 2 Diabetes health predisposition report which is based on 23andMe research and has 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. 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&nbsp; developing a disease in the future, the health of your fetus, or your newborn child&#8217;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 &amp; Limitations: The MUTYH-Associated Polyposis Genetic Health Risk Report is indicated for reporting the Y179C and G396D variants in the MUTYH gene and an increased risk for colorectal cancer.&nbsp; The two variants included in this report are most common in people of Northern European descent. This report does not include variants in other genes linked to hereditary cancers and the absence of variants included in this report do not rule out the presence of other genetic variants that may impact cancer risk. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional for recommended screenings or appropriate follow-up. Results should be confirmed in a clinical setting before taking any medical action.&nbsp; For important information and limitations regarding other genetic health risk reports and carrier status reports, visit <a href="https://www.23andme.com/test-info/">https://www.23andme.com/test-info</a>.&nbsp;
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Medical Education at 23andMe

23andMe has added a new Genetic Health Risk report* that looks at two genetic variants in the MUTYH gene (Y179C and G396D) associated with a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP). These two variants are most common and best studied in people of Northern European descent. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-27213 size-full" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/WS-Blog.png" alt="" width="1200" height="628" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/WS-Blog.png 1200w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/WS-Blog-300x157.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/WS-Blog-768x402.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/WS-Blog-1024x536.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/WS-Blog-880x461.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/WS-Blog-1180x618.png 1180w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />
<h2>Genetics, Environment, and Lifestyle</h2>
In January, 23andMe<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/fda-colorectal-cancer/"> received FDA clearance</a> to offer this information directly to consumers, and our team has been finalizing the report since then.
There are many factors — diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, and smoking, for example — that can influence a person’s risk for colorectal cancer. In fact, most cases are not caused by inherited genetic variants.
However, individuals with two genetic variants or two copies of a genetic variant included in this new report tend to develop colon and rectal polyps, have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, and may have a slightly increased risk for certain other cancers. 
These two variants account for the majority — from 80 percent to 90 percent — of all MAP variants in people of Northern European descent. Between 1 and 2 percent of people of Northern European descent have one of these variants, which means that between 1 in 10,000 and 1 in 40,000 people of Northern European descent are expected to have MAP.
It’s important to note that more than 100 other variants in the MUTYH gene have been linked to MAP and this report only includes two of those variants. While this report is most relevant for people of Northern European ancestry, the two variants are also found in people of other ethnicities.
<h2>MAP</h2>
“People with MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP) are at a much higher risk of developing colon and rectal cancers, and it often affects them when they are at younger ages,” said Anjee Davis, President, Fight Colorectal Cancer, a leading colorectal cancer patient advocacy group in the U.S. “However, for people who know that they have MAP, early detection and subsequent screening can be potentially lifesaving. The new 23andMe report is limited in that it only identifies people with MAP — and not other hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes, like Lynch syndrome — but it can be a positive first step for prevention for those who have the two associated variants. Additionally, because only a small percentage of colorectal cancer cases are attributed to a hereditary predisposition, all people need to know the symptoms and be screened at the recommended age.&#8221;
Without appropriate surveillance, carrying both of these variants or having two copies of one increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer to between 43 and 100 percent. The risk in the general population is about 4.2 percent.
<h2> Health + Ancestry Service Customers</h2>
Eligible <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-health-ancestry/">23andMe Health + Ancestry Service</a> customers can view their MAP report. As with other Genetic Health Risk reports considered sensitive, eligible customers must first opt-in to view the report. If they choose to opt in, they will go through a short tutorial detailing vital information to know before seeing their results.
23andMe is committed to ensuring that our customers understand what it may mean to carry a risk variant or variants and what it means not to have one of the variants covered in this report. Specifically, not having one of the variants — or a negative result — does not mean one is not at risk for developing colorectal cancer. Instead, the report highlights the fact that genetics is just one of many risk factors for colorectal cancer.
<h2>Family History</h2>
More than a hundred genetic variants in the MUTYH gene are linked to MAP, and thousands of variants in other genes are linked to other hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes.
People with two variants or two copies of a variant included in the MAP report have a higher risk for colorectal cancer and the risk for people with one variant is still uncertain. Some studies suggest that people with one variant may have a slightly increased risk, particularly if they have a family history of colorectal cancer. Still, the evidence is limited at this point.
If a person has a positive family history of colorectal cancer or a personal history of colorectal polyps, they should consider talking to a doctor for more screening information. Finally, the MAP report is not diagnostic and is intended for adults only. It is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional for recommended screenings or appropriate follow-up. Any result should be confirmed in a clinical setting before taking any medical action.
<h2>Learn More</h2>
Eligible customers can go to their <a href="https://you.23andme.com/health/">Health Overview</a> page to view their report. On that page, they will be directed to update their report preferences and choose whether to opt in to receive the report. Not yet a 23andMe customer? Find out more <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-health-ancestry/">here</a>.
*For important information and limitations regarding each of our genetic health risk reports as well as our other health reports, visit<a href="http://23andme.com/test-info"> 23andme.com/test-info</a>.

Report Looks at Risk for Hereditary Colorectal Cancer

Put up your feet and check out two new 23andMe trait reports that look all the way <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/traits/toe-length-ratio/">down to your toes</a>.
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Using a statistical model and data from almost half a million 23andMe research consented participants, we report a customer’s predisposition toward having bunions or flat feet. No small feat, this new set of <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/health-traits/traits-never-looked-better/">trait reports</a> brings the total number of trait reports to more than 30 for 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service customers. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Bunion-image-300x236.jpg" alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-27083" width="300" height="236" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Bunion-image-300x236.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Bunion-image-768x605.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Bunion-image-1024x807.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Bunion-image-880x694.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Bunion-image.jpg 1114w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
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<h6>Bunions</h6>
Our Bunions report relied on data from 530,000 consented research participants. Using this data we identified 315 genetic markers associated with bunions. The condition is characterized by a sometimes painful misalignment in the joint at the base of the big toe that is often results in a bony bump. 
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Genetics plays a role in the condition, also known as hallux valgus. But other factors are also thought to play a role such as stepping out with ill-fitting footwear. The statistical model for the report takes into account age and sex. About 17 percent of customers who participated in research reported having had a bunion.
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<h6>Flat Feet</h6>
The new report on Flat Feet stepped it up just a bit, by looking at data from 530,000 consented research participants. We identified 414 genetic markers associated with flat feet, which are characterized by low arches. The statistical model used for this report also takes into account a customer’s age and sex to report back whether they are more or less likely than average to have flat feet. 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Flat-Feet-Image-300x245.jpg" alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-27082" width="300" height="245" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Flat-Feet-Image-300x245.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Flat-Feet-Image-768x628.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Flat-Feet-Image-1024x837.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Flat-Feet-Image-880x720.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Flat-Feet-Image.jpg 1098w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Genetics plays a role in the development of the raised structure of the foot, known as the medial arch. For some, that raised arch never fully develops or the arch may collapse later in life, possibly related  to injury or obesity. This in turn can lead to misalignment of the bones of the foot and foot pain. About a quarter of 23andMe research participants reported having flat feet.
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23andMe Health +Ancestry Service customers can stroll over to see these two new reports by visiting their<a href="https://you.23andme.com/health/trait/"> Traits dashboard</a>. 
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Not yet a customer? Hoof it over<a href="https://www.23andme.com/compare-dna-tests/"> here</a> and learn more.
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23andMe Steps Out with Two New Trait Reports

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-27061" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/HCM-300x272.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="272" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/HCM-300x272.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/HCM.jpg 472w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
Starting today, 23andMe <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-health-ancestry/">Health + Ancestry Service</a> customers can access a new Health Community page, focused on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common form of inherited heart disease.
<h6>Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)</h6>
The new HCM Health Community page offers customers information and resources on this condition, which in most cases is caused by genetic variants that make the heart contract too much. As a result, the heart muscle becomes thickened and stiff, which can make it less efficient at pumping blood.

Symptoms of HCM can vary from person to person, but may include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, rapid or fluttering heartbeat and chest pain. HCM is one of the most common causes of sudden cardiac death in young people, but most people with HCM develop symptoms in mid-life that worsen as they get older.
“23andMe is committed to supporting individuals who may suffer from under-diagnosed conditions,” said Ruth Tennen, Ph.D., a Product Scientist at 23andMe. “We have thousands of 23andMe customers that have self-reported having HCM and see this as an important opportunity to educate our customers about this condition, and to provide those affected by the condition with links to resources and information to help them better manage it.”
<h6>Health Community Page</h6>
As with all Health Community pages, the information isn’t based on genetic data. Rather, it incorporates survey answers from 23andMe research participants to provide information about the condition. It also includes HCM research and statistics, and links to other resources.
As part of the HCM community, 23andMe customers who have consented to participate in research will have the opportunity to contribute to HCM research. In the future the HCM community page will reflect data from this research project including things like the average age of onset for the condition.
<h6>MyoKardia</h6>
This community page is part of a collaboration with MyoKardia to advance research into HCM.
While MyoKardia is sponsoring the page, 23andMe is responsible for its final content. 23andMe is committed to providing our customers with scientifically and medically unbiased information about health conditions.
As with all <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/health-traits/health-conditions-and-the-wisdom-of-the-crowd/">23andMe Health Community pages,</a> the information and recommendations included are based on peer-reviewed publications which meet high standards of scientific accuracy. MyoKardia is pioneering a precision medicine approach to discover and develop new treatments for serious cardiovascular diseases, including HCM.
“HCM is a chronic, progressive condition that can have a debilitating effect on daily living and carries the risk of serious co-morbidities such as atrial fibrillation and heart failure,&#8221; said Richey Neuman, M.D., MPH, FACP, Vice President, Medical Advancement at MyoKardia. &#8220;Unfortunately, HCM is currently underdiagnosed and a number of misperceptions exists,”
MyoKardia is committed to expanding knowledge of HCM and its treatment – for patients and their families, physicians and researchers,&#8221; said Dr. Neuman.
&#8220;That’s one reason we’re excited to be collaborating with 23andMe to bring their customers with HCM an educational resource where they can get reliable information,&#8221; he said.
In addition, the hope is that it will offer those same individuals an opportunity to opt in to participate in research. That research may help generate a greater understanding of this frequently overlooked condition, Dr. Neuman said.
<h6>HCM Research</h6>
As part of the collaboration, 23andMe has launched a customer survey intended to collect baseline data. In addition, the intent is to follow-up to collect longitudinal data from those who choose to participate. The survey will reach more than 9,000 23andMe customers who have self-reported an HCM diagnosis. 23andMe researchers, along with researchers from MyoKardia, intend to study this set of de-identified, population-scale phenotypic and genotypic data. The aim is to gain unique insights into this condition for the purposes of understanding the patient experience and genetic prevalence of HCM. MyoKardia will only have access to aggregate results, not individual-level customer data.
The new HCM Health Community page is part of a collection of common health conditions. The page offers 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service customers and opportunity to learn more about conditions and participate in research.
Launched last year, there are now 19 of these Health Community pages. The conditions include such things as depression, Parkinson’s disease, migraine, insomnia, endometriosis and more.

23andMe Adds Condition to Health Communities

A new national survey shows a keen interest in DNA testing primarily driven by people’s desire to know more about their potential health risks.<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/DNA-Discovery-300x248.png" alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-26142" width="300" height="248" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/DNA-Discovery-300x248.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/DNA-Discovery-768x634.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/DNA-Discovery-1024x845.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/DNA-Discovery-880x726.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/DNA-Discovery-1180x974.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/DNA-Discovery.png 1270w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
The survey, conducted by 23andMe in the lead up to<a href="https://www.genome.gov/26525485/about-dna-day/"> DNA Day</a>, asked consumers a range of questions to gauge both their understanding and interest in genetic testing.* Just as in all the surveys the company has done since 2013, a majority of consumers said they were interested in testing.
But this year saw a slight increase over last year in the percentage of respondents who said they were either extremely or somewhat interested in using DNA testing to find out about their health. The survey found that 74 percent were interested in testing to learn about health risks, which is a 3 percent increase over last year.
<h6>Potential Health Risks</h6>
Most striking of all is that learning about health risks drives the most interest in DNA testing. The survey found that two-thirds of respondents ranked health information as their top consideration for testing. Interestingly, the same percentage of those surveyed ranked their interest in ancestry information as those who said a desire to <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/participating-in-23andme-research-a-customers-perspective/">contribute to genetic research</a> was a primary driver for their interest in testing.
“It’s encouraging to see consumers value the core of 23andMe’s mission,” said Jhulianna Cintron, 23andMe’s consumer genetics trends expert. “We want everyone to benefit from the science around the human genome, and that’s why health, ancestry and research have always been at the core of what we do.”
<div id="attachment_27027" style="width: 708px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-27027" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/DNA-Day-Survey.png" alt="" class="wp-image-27027 size-full" width="698" height="352" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/DNA-Day-Survey.png 698w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/DNA-Day-Survey-300x151.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 698px) 100vw, 698px" />Learning about potential health risk was the primary driver in their interest in DNA testing, according to a new survey by 23andMe.</div>
23andMe began conducting annual surveys measuring consumers’ interest in DNA testing in 2013. At that time, estimates were that fewer than half a million people had done an at-home DNA test. Since then interest in genetic testing has soared. One estimate suggests that more than<a href="https://www.technologyreview.com/s/612880/more-than-26-million-people-have-taken-an-at-home-ancestry-test/"> 26 million people</a> have taken an at-home DNA test. That surge in interest has come with references to testing<a href="https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/jon-snow-emails-23andme-about-his-dna-results"> sprinkled in popular culture</a>, and daily news coverage. 
<h6>Genetic Literacy</h6>
But people’s deep interest in genetic testing is often out ahead of their understanding of the science. The survey shows there is room for improvement in basic genetic literacy, which mirrors other national surveys that show a general need for<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2019/03/28/what-americans-know-about-science/"> science literacy</a>.
23andMe’s 2019 survey found that fewer than half of those asked, 41 percent, knew that DNA is organized into chromosomes, for example. While most of those surveyed, 57 percent, understood that genetic research can help lead to new treatments for disease, only 39 percent knew that genetics can play a role in a person’s risk for<a href="https://www.23andme.com/pd/"> Parkinson’s disease</a>. More than 70 percent of those asked were unaware that a person’s genetics can impact how likely it is for them to have a stronger or weaker reaction to<a href="https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm624753.htm"> different medications</a>.
While the survey found gaps in genetic literacy, it also showed a continued interest in leveraging genetic information to learn more about their own health. A majority of those surveyed, 62 percent, also said that information could help them make lifestyle changes to improve their health. And 66 percent said they would be interested in learning about genetic variants that they could pass on to their children that could increase the risk for certain diseases.
&nbsp;
All in all the survey indicates that people’s interest in DNA testing remains strong, and it is not driven by just one thing, but a desire to learn not only about potential health risks, or their ancestral heritage, but also a willingness to contribute to important research that might help others. And no matter their motivation, the vast majority of Americans, 85 percent, said that they have a right to access their genetic information with an at-home genetic test directly.
*23andMe DNA Survey, conducted in April 2019. The online survey included 1,500 nationally representative Americans who were 18 years old or older. The margin of error is +/- 3 percent.

People Want to Know About Potential Health Risks

Recorded in front of a live audience at this year’s<a href="https://schedule.sxsw.com/2019/events/PP102121"> SXSW conference</a> in Austin, the latest<a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-spit-29676456/"> episode of Spit</a>, an iHeartRadio podcast with 23andMe tackles one of our most significant public health challenges of our day — preventing millions of Americans from developing <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/type-2-diabetes/">type 2 diabetes</a>.
Hosted by writer, comedian and cultural critic,<a href="http://baratunde.com/"> Baratunde Thurston</a>, this episode kicks off the second season of<a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-spit-29676456/"> Spit</a>, iHeartRadio’s podcast with 23andMe. Baratunde brought together an eclectic panel that included not just Tracey D. Brown, the CEO of the American Diabetes Associations (ADA), but also country music star<a href="https://timmcgraw.com/"> Tim McGraw</a>, who has an inspiring personal health and fitness story. And rounding out the panel was<a href="https://www.lark.com/about"> Julia Hu</a>, the CEO of Lark Health, where scientists and engineers have created a new digital coaching app to help consumers meet their diet and exercise goals.
<div id="attachment_27024" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-27024" class="size-large wp-image-27024" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4960-1024x746.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="746" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4960-1024x746.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4960-300x219.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4960-768x559.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4960-880x641.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4960-1180x859.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4960.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />From left Julia Hu, CEO of Lark Health, Tracey D. Brown, CEO of the American Diabetes Association, Tim McGraw, country singer and fitness advocate, and the Spit podcast host Baratunde Thurston at SXSW in Austin.</div>
The first step at prevention is merely raising awareness, said Brown, who took over as CEO of the American Diabetes Association in 2018 after serving as senior vice president of operations and chief experience officer at Sam’s Club.
&nbsp;
There are huge human and economic costs to diabetes, “yet the sense of urgency (in the public) isn’t there yet,” Brown said.
&nbsp;
<div id="attachment_27021" style="width: 210px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-27021" class="wp-image-27021 size-medium" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4975-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4975-200x300.jpg 200w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4975-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4975-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4975-587x880.jpg 587w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4975-787x1180.jpg 787w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4975.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" />Tracey D. Brown, CEO of the American Diabetes Association</div>
Along with alerting people to this looming health crisis, people also must become aware of their own likelihood of developing diabetes. You have to “know your numbers,” Brown said. Adding that a simple glucose level blood test could alert the many people who are prediabetic, but don’t know it yet.
&nbsp;
Brown uses herself as an example of the perils of ignoring factors that might increase one’s likelihood of developing <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/type-2-diabetes/">type 2 diabetes</a>. She developed gestational diabetes while pregnant with her daughter, and it later moved on to diabetes.
&nbsp;
“I should have taken (it) seriously then, but I didn’t,” she said.
&nbsp;
What really motivated Brown to change was her daughter, who had once asked: “Mommy are you going to die of diabetes?”
&nbsp;
It’s what helped push Brown to make the lifestyle changes that have slowly weaned her off daily insulin injections. But it’s never easy, she said.
&nbsp;
<div id="attachment_27022" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-27022" class="wp-image-27022 size-medium" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4952-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4952-300x200.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4952-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4952-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4952-880x587.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4952-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4952.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Baratunde and McGraw before the panel discussion.</div>
As in Brown’s case, it was one of Tim McGraw’s daughters who pushed him to get healthy. Watching a preview of a film he was in, his daughter reacted to seeing him looking overweight on screen.
&#8220;My oldest daughter said, &#8216;Geez, Dad. You really need to do something,'&#8221; he said. &#8220;And the next day, I was in the gym.&#8221;
&nbsp;
His daughter’s unfiltered comments brought home for him how his late nights, drinking and bad habits were impacting his health. He wanted to change that.
&nbsp;
“I wanted to be healthy,” McGraw said. “I wanted to stick around.”
&nbsp;
The son of a professional baseball player, and an athlete in his youth, McGraw got serious about fitness about ten years ago. His philosophy was to “just do something physical every day,” he said.
&nbsp;
McGraw is working on a book about his transformation to be called Grit &amp; Grace: Train the Mind, Train the Body, Own Your Life. He also recently launched<a href="https://trumavfitness.com/"> TruMav Fitness</a>, a health and fitness brand. And he noted that beyond helping yourself, taking steps to get healthy is likely going to motivate someone else.
&nbsp;
“If you do something positive I guarantee somebody else is following along, and doing something positive as well, whether you know it or not,” he said. “It can make an exponential change by setting an example like this.”
<div id="attachment_27020" style="width: 210px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-27020" class="wp-image-27020 size-medium" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4980-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4980-200x300.jpg 200w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4980-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4980-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4980-587x880.jpg 587w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4980-787x1180.jpg 787w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/THEANTMAN-SPITPODCAST-4980.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" />Julia Hu, CEO of Lark Health</div>
Finding the motivation to make that kind of change though is often the biggest challenge, said Julia Hu, the CEO of Lark. And that’s where the company’s<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/health-traits/your-digital-health-coach-is-here/"> digital health coach</a> comes in. Earlier this year Lark teamed up with 23andMe to provide customers the opportunity to integrate their genetic results into their digital coaching programs to help offer personalized diet and exercise suggestions and spur people toward their health goals. Lark offers a CDC-recognized diabetes prevention program that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and the ubiquitous of smart phones to give users virtual coaching. That kind of consistent advice can go a long way in helping people achieve their goals, Hu said.
&nbsp;
“Losing just five percent of body weight can cut the (likelihood) of diabetes in half,” she said. “Small changes can make a big difference.”
&nbsp;
You can listen to the latest episode on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/conversation-around-one-major-challenges-to-human-health/id1422827494?i=1000433580830&amp;mt=2">iTunes</a> or <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-spit-29676456/episode/a-conversation-around-one-of-the-30747322/">iHeartRadio</a>.
&nbsp;
To find out more about type 2 diabetes and diabetes prevention go to the<a href="https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/type-2"> American Diabetes Association</a>, or the<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type2.html"> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>.
&nbsp;

Spit Podcast Takes on Type 2 Diabetes

Today, 23andMe added a new report on TTR-related hereditary amyloidosis, a genetic, multi-system disease.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-26987 size-medium" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Smiling-Granddad-and-Grandson-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Smiling-Granddad-and-Grandson-300x200.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Smiling-Granddad-and-Grandson-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Smiling-Granddad-and-Grandson-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Smiling-Granddad-and-Grandson-880x587.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Smiling-Granddad-and-Grandson-1180x787.jpg 1180w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
<h2>What is TTR-Related Amyloidosis?</h2>
This new <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-ancestry">Genetic Health Risk report</a> looks at three of the most common genetic variants associated with TTR-related hereditary amyloidosis. This little-known and underdiagnosed genetic condition is caused by the buildup of a protein called<a href="https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/TTR"> transthyretin</a> (TTR) in the body’s tissues and organs. This protein buildup can damage the nerves, heart, and other body parts. Symptoms vary widely, but can include cardiomyopathy, peripheral neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy. Because symptoms of TTR-related hereditary amyloidosis can vary widely, it is often misdiagnosed.<a id="a1" href="#f1">[1]</a>  
23andMe’s new report gives customers an opportunity to learn about their potential risk for TTR-related hereditary amyloidosis so that they can take action by speaking to their doctor to learn more about their risk and discuss appropriate next steps, which may include diagnostic testing.
<h2>Alnylam Collaboration</h2>
Based on a shared commitment to disease awareness of TTR-related hereditary amyloidosis, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals supported the publication of this report in part. Alnylam has worked with TTR-related hereditary amyloidosis patients for years and has a deep understanding of how the condition can impact individuals and their families. As such, the company’s scientific and medical teams provided input on information related to the condition, including its symptoms and how it manifests in the patient community. 
To further the goal of awareness and early detection, 23andMe will also be running an awareness program in collaboration with Alnylam to provide 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service kits to first-degree relatives—parents, full siblings, and adult children—of any 23andMe customer with an identified TTR variant. Hopefully, this effort will increase awareness and lead to earlier diagnosis of this condition. The program will be launched later this year.
<h2>Report Details</h2>
The new report looks at three of the most common TTR variants that account for an estimated 50-to-80 percent of TTR-related hereditary amyloidosis cases.<a id="a2" href="#f2">[2]</a>
The report does not test for all possible variants linked to TTR-related hereditary amyloidosis. Customers who do not have one of the variants 23andMe tests for could still have a variant not covered in the report.
The three variants in this report—V122I, V30M, and T60A—each occur at different frequencies among people of different ethnicities.
<h2>Facts to Keep in Mind</h2>
However, it’s important to remember that not everyone who inherits one of these variants will necessarily develop symptoms.
<ul>
<li>The V122I variant is most common in African Americans and people of West African descent. Most people with this variant have some amount of TTR protein buildup in the heart after age 60, but not all will end up with heart damage. Approximately 10 percent of African Americans over the age of 60 with congestive heart failure likely carry this variant.<a id="a3" href="#f3">[3]</a></li>
<li>The V30M variant is most common among people of Portuguese, Northern Swedish, and Japanese descent but carries different risks for each ethnicity. About 50 percent of people of Northern Swedish descent with this variant develop TTR-related hereditary amyloidosis by the age of 80, with symptoms often appearing after the age of 60. By comparison, about 90 percent of people of Portuguese descent with the V30M variant develop the condition by age 80, with symptoms appearing as early as 20-30 years of age. People of Japanese descent with the V30M variant can develop symptoms as early as their 20s or as late as their 90s, depending on family history.<a id="a4" href="#f4">[4]</a> <a id="a5" href="#f5">[5]</a></li>
<li>The T60A variant is most common in people of Irish descent. It is also found in people of British descent. People with this variant typically develop symptoms between 45 and 80 years old. Lifetime risk estimates are not available for people with this variant.<a id="a6" href="#f6">[6]</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Prevalence and Treatment</h2>
While the condition is little known and underdiagnosed, the frequency of TTR variants among certain ethnicities is relatively significant.
Estimates suggest that 1 in 28 African Americans, 1 in 67 people from Northern Sweden, 1 in 90 people from Northwest Ireland, and 1 in 625 people of Portuguese descent have one of the three variants included in 23andMe’s new report. However, there are no current estimates on how many of those with one of the three variants will go on to develop TTR-related hereditary amyloidosis.
This report, like 23andMe’s other Genetic Health Risk reports, aims to give customers an opportunity to learn of a potential health risk so that they can work with their health care provider on the best options for mitigating and managing that risk.
Treatments for TTR-related hereditary amyloidosis include the use of medications or surgical intervention to address the symptoms. Recently approved medications are now being used to decrease the production of the TTR protein. In addition, because the liver produces most of the TTR protein, some patients have benefited from liver transplants. Additional research on developing new treatment options is also currently underway.
23andMe Health + Ancestry Service customers who are on the most recent genotyping platforms can find this new report in the Health Predisposition section of their account. Not yet a customer? You can find out more about 23andMe’s Health + Ancestry Service<a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-health-ancestry/"> here</a>.
<h2>Footnotes</h2>
<footer class="footnotes"><a id="f1" href="#a1">[1]</a>Sekijima Y et al. (2001). &#8220;Familial Transthyretin Amyloidosis.&#8221; [Updated 2018 Dec 20].</footer><footer class="footnotes"><a id="f2" href="#a2">[2] </a>Gertz MA et al. (2015). &#8220;Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Therapy of Transthyretin Amyloidosis.&#8221; J Am Coll Cardiol. 66(21):2451-2466.</footer><footer class="footnotes"><a id="f3" href="#a3">[3] </a>Buxbaum JN et al. (2017). &#8220;Transthyretin V122I (pV142I)* cardiac amyloidosis: an age-dependent autosomal dominant cardiomyopathy too common to be overlooked as a cause of significant heart disease in elderly African Americans.&#8221; Genet Med. 19(7):733-742.</footer><footer class="footnotes"><a id="f4" href="#a4">[4]</a> Holmgren G et al. (1994). “Geographical distribution of TTR met30 carriers in northern Sweden: discrepancy between carrier frequency and prevalence rate.” J Med Genet. 31(5):351-4.</footer><footer class="footnotes"><a id="f5" href="#a5">[5] </a>Planté-Bordeneuve V et al. (2003). &#8220;Genetic study of transthyretin amyloid neuropathies: carrier risks among French and Portuguese families.&#8221; J Med Genet. 40(11):e120.</footer><footer class="footnotes"><a id="f6" href="#a6">[6] </a>Reilly MM et al. (1995). “Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR ala 60) in north west Ireland: a clinical, genetic, and epidemiological study.” J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 59(1):45-9.</footer>


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