Genetics

People can eat healthy, exercise, and maintain a healthy weight but still carry genetic risk factors that put them at increased risk of disease. However, knowing your genetic makeup can help guide lifestyle and medication choices that improve the opportunity for a long healthy life. Our genetic make-up influences our health risk, but it does not have to be our destiny - there are things we can do to prevent activating bad genes for cancer or heart disease. 

Genomic testing has been shown to complement conventional risk prediction and help to risk stratify individuals for coronary artery disease (CAD). 1 Both the US National Research Council and the National Institute of Health support precision medicine utilize genomic factors to enhance the clinical management of an individual patient. 2

Precision healthcare requires genetic testing, so at Whole Heart Family Medicine we gather this information so we can better tailor treatment recommendations to each patient. We help our patients understand how this information influences their health, and give them practical tools to help them attain optimal health. We want our patients to enjoy the fullness of this beautiful life with their loved ones . . . for as long as possible. 

Advanced Genetic Tests

Click Below to Learn More

APO E
A gene that affects the way our body processes fat and alcohol, sometimes referred to as the "Alzheimer’s gene."

APO E

MTHFR
A gene that affect the body’s ability to detoxify and utilize certain B vitamins (which affect brain, heart, and infant health).

MTHFR

SLOCO1B1
A gene that can identify who is at increased risk of having side effects from statin cholesterol drugs.

SLOCO1B1

KIF 6
A gene that increases the risk of heart disease, but can determine who would particularly benefit from statin cholesterol medications

KIF 6

9P21
A gene that can identify individuals who may be at an increased risk of premature heart disease.

9P21

4Q25
A gene that can identify who is at increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (a potentially dangerous arrhythmia of the heart).

4Q25

Prothrombin Mutation
A gene that increases the risk of developing blood clots

Prothrombin Mutation

Factor V Leiden
A gene that increases the risk of developing blood clots

Factor V Leiden

CYP2C19
A gene that determines if the blood thinner Plavix is metabolized normally, or whether this medication could lead to increased clotting or bleeding.

CYP2C19

Advanced Genetic Tests

Click Below to Learn More

APO E
A gene that affects the way our body processes fat and alcohol, sometimes referred to as the "Alzheimer’s gene."

APO E

MTHFR
A gene that affect the body’s ability to detoxify and utilize certain B vitamins (which affect brain, heart, and infant health).

MTHFR

SLOCO1B1
A gene that can identify who is at increased risk of having side effects from statin cholesterol drugs.

SLOCO1B1

KIF 6
A gene that increases the risk of heart disease, but can determine who would particularly benefit from statin cholesterol medications

KIF 6

9P21
A gene that can identify individuals who may be at an increased risk of premature heart disease.

9P21

4Q25
A gene that can identify who is at increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (a potentially dangerous arrhythmia of the heart).

4Q25

Prothrombin Mutation
A gene that increases the risk of developing blood clots

Prothrombin Mutation

Factor V Leiden
A gene that increases the risk of developing blood clots

Factor V Leiden

CYP2C19
A gene that determines if the blood thinner Plavix is metabolized normally, or whether this medication could lead to increased clotting or bleeding.

CYP2C19

* Patients can learn more about the connection between genetics and cardiovascular disease in this podcast with Dr. Amy Doneen, the Medical Director of the Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center and Co-Founder of the Bale-Doneen Method for preventing heart attack and stroke. Click HERE to listen. Medical providers can learn more about implementing genetic testing with patients through the BaleDoneen genetics course.

REFERENCES

1 - http://www.onlinejacc.org/content/accj/72/16/1883.full.pdf

 

2 - Kotchen, T.A., Cowley, A. W., Jr. & Lang, M. (2016). Ushering hypertenstion into a new era of precision medicine.  JAMA, 1-2. Doi: 10. 1001/jama.2015.18359