Scientists from Duke University found that genetic risk for heart disease is far less predictive of problems than actual lifestyle risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes—even in younger adults.
They found that genetic tests do little to accurately identify heart disease risks compared to a simple risk equation that uses basic health measures.
The research is published in the journal Circulation and was conducted by Michael Pencina et al.
In the study, the team analyzed two large databases and stratified participants into three groups by age: Younger adults (median 30 years old); early mid-life (median 43 years old); and late mid-life (median 52 years old).
They applied two predictive models. The first, called a polygenic risk score, calculate the number of inherited genetic variants that are likely to put a person at risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
The second was a scoring model that uses traditional long-term risk factors—including high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels—which are mainly preventable depending on lifestyle choices.
The researchers found that the polygenic risk score provided limited predictive accuracy for cardiovascular disease risk compared to the traditional health assessment.
Even when a genetic score was added in as a factor among the traditional health measurements, it made little difference.
The team found that consistent in all three age groups, even in the youngest, the risk factor-based model was superior to the genetics-based model for predicting heart disease.
They say while genetic tests use new technology, they can be high-priced.
People should instead visit their doctor and have their actual, clinical factors measured, because this will do a much better job of determining their state of health.
And those who have a high risk of developing heart disease—especially young people—should eat healthy foods, exercise, and begin proper medications as warranted.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about common symptoms of heart failure you need to know, and how to reverse heart failure with diet.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about the amazing benefits of beets for diabetes, blood pressure, and nerves, and results showing Vitamin C may help treat heart rhythm problems.
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