Improve Your Future Health by a Genetic Predisposition Test
Overview of DNA
Genetic Predisposition Testing
There is a new trend for people to get their DNA tested via Genetic Predisposition Health testing to determine if they have a higher risk for a large variety of diseases and medical conditions.
It has been well known for many years that some diseases are hereditary. There are other medical conditions that seem to run in families; however, there is no proof they are actually hereditary diseases. Often some autoimmune diseases seem to run in families, but the research has not found a genetic link at this time.
The advancements in the study of DNA since the Human Genome Project are remarkable.
Certainly many people have hear of the BRAC Test for breast cancer. Many people who have a relative with breast cancer decide to get the DNA test, and many lives are saved.
Human Genome Project
The Human Genome Project has identified 20,000 to 25,000 genes of DNA, determining the 3 billion sequences of chemical base pairs that comprise DNA. This information is stored in databases and has opened a whole new door of research.
There is a great deal of DNA genetic testing in many areas of life, including medicine, paternity testing, forensic testing, BRAC testing that is specific for breast cancer, DNA ancestry testing, and it is certainly used for criminal investigations.
Diseases Predicted with DNA Testing
Genetic Predisposition Health DNA testing is a bit different, and it has the ability to determine if an individual is prone to develop any of 25 different genetic diseases or medical conditions in their lifetime.
It is simply done by putting a few drops of blood on a card and mailing it to a lab. The labs are CLIA-certified laboratories. The diseases can be grouped in types for easier understanding and they include:
- Cardiovascular disease – aneurysms, atrial fibrillation, heart disease, peripheral artery disease and venous thrombosis
- Immune disease – Systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Graves’ disease, multiple sclerosis, celiac disease and psoriasis
- Cancers – breast, bladder, colorectal, gastric, lung, prostate and skin cancer
- Diseases of Aging – Alzheimer’s disease, osteoarthritis and macular degeneration
- Other medical conditions – obesity, migraine headaches, Type I or II diabetes
No doubt in the future that this list will grow substantially.
Genetic Mutation in Animal Kingdom
Ramifications of DNA Testing
Some people think that this type of testing will be the future of healthcare, and it can be useful at this time. For instance, if a person was prone to breast cancer, then, the physician might order a mammogram at a younger age, and the person would be instructed to strictly complete monthly self breast exams to find any sign of cancer at the earliest possible stage.
There is some concern by individuals that having a record of this test on file might invade their privacy. Medical files are private without a court order at this time, but no one knows what the future could hold.
Could someone be denied health care insurance or employment? This is certainly a valid concern that law makers should address.
Genetic VS Environmental Diseases
People must also be taught the difference between genetic or inherited diseases and environmental diseases. For instance, smoking is known to contribute to lung cancer. If your test shows a predisposition to lung cancer, smoking will increase that probability.
The results of the lab test for the various diseases are rated as high risk, medium risk or low risk, so an individual would be most concerned with a high probability.
Anyone who gets a Genetic Predisposition Health DNA test should see a physician to discuss the results and to make sure they understand the ramifications of the test results. The physician will also decide if the patient’s medical regimen care should be changed.
Do I Need a Doctor to Get a Test?
There are four common foundations where you can order a reasonably priced genetic test. These foundations allow you to research your family tree, which should reveal cause of death oin your more recent family members.
Sometimes you will find a copy of a death recored that actually lists the cause of death. It is a good idea to verify the cause of death by more than one source for accuracy. Hoewever, you can request a test from your dsoctor that should provide the accuracy you are seeking.
They include:
- My Heritage
- 23 and Me
- Family Tree DNA
- Ancestry
Worldvitalrecords.com is probably the best place for beginners doing their first ancestry search. GenealogyBank.com provides the best genealogy site for access to genealogy records. FindMyPast.com is also an excellent site that reveals information on deaths in the United States, England and Ireland.
A quick search on the internet will provide you with several places to search.
It is interesting to uncover your ancestry, but finding genetic causes of death could save your life.
Genetic Predisposition DNA Testing for Health and Disease
In Summary
It is important to understand that these tests cannot predict the future. The test may indicate that some lifestyle changes are in order to provide the best quality of health and to lower the risk of disease.
There will certainly be more diseases detected as technology evolves, and this science probably is the wave of the future.
The copyright, renewed in 2018, for this article is owned by Pamela Oglesby. Permission to republish this article in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
