Do you often slack off on the healthy habits you commit to? It’s easy to say that you are doing better than someone else or you are not doing so badly. What if you had a more definitive answer to what your risks are? Medicine has evolved a great deal. Risk was measured by your personal and family history and a few measures. Blood sugar and cholesterol were the major metabolic markers measured in blood to determine risk of heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. There are many more sophisticated markers and now your genetic blueprint can better determine your risk. This is personalized medicine. It is tailored to your unique genetics and metabolism. Having this information can enable you to make better decisions regarding your health. It can also help you determine which lifestyle factors, supplements or medications will be most effective. This is true prevention. If you catch something early, you have to power to change.
Is Your Heart Stressed?
Even if your blood pressure, pulse and cholesterol are normal, your heart can be stressed. Your heart sends out signals when it’s under stress. N-terminal fragment of the prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide or NT-ProB is a neurohormone produced when your heart is stressed. It may be produced when you have decreased blood flow to the heart, angina, heart failure, poor contraction or relaxation and a variety of heart conditions or cardiovascular disease. It is a strong predictor of sub clinical heart ailments- these are not yet expressed clinically and would not be detected by any other means.
Are you at increased risk of atrial fibrillation or stroke?
Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disturbance that frequently causes stroke, fainting, weakness and shortness of breath all of which can lead to heart attack, stroke and possibly death. Studies show that 22-30% of the population carries a gene that puts them at increased risk of developing these conditions. The 4q25-AF Risk Genotype Test can determine if you have gene variants that put you at risk. If found, further testing can determine the underlying issue and how to best address it so you don’t have to suffer the consequences. You may need anti clotting agents or aspirin but some people are at increased risk for stroke with these medications. Wouldn’t you want to know what is safe and effective for you?
Will aspirin increase your risk of stroke?
Doctors often recommend an aspirin a day to decrease your risk of heart attack. However, if you don’t have the LPA gene you are 15 times more likely to have bleeding episodes or hemorrhages in your stomach or brain. Knowing your status can enable you to make wise choices. An aspirin can help you or harm you depending on your genes.
Genetic testing personalizes your care
LPA-Intron 25 gene can predict your risk of Coronary Heart Disease (CD), the KIF6 Genotype Test can determine your response to statin drugs, and the CYP2C19 Genotype Test can determine how well you metabolize anti clotting agents. Rapid metabolizers are at increased risk of bleeding and can have a hemorrhagic stroke from bleeding into the brain. Poor metabolizers may not benefit from certain anti clotting agents. Genetic testing can unlock the answers to what works best for you.
Genes are NOT your destiny
Genes are like light switches. Your lifestyle, environment, supplements, habits and medications can turn them on or off. You are not at the fate of your genes, Your genetic blueprint can assist you and your doctor in personalized care. You can determine your risk as well as the best preventive or treatment strategies Invest in your health by consulting with a physician who has expertise in personalized medicine. You can prevent heart attacks and prevent strokes if you act before it occurs.
Lorraine Maita, MD is a recognized and award winning physician and author-transforming people’s lives through preventive and anti aging medicine. She is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Anti Aging and Regenerative Medicine and Board Certified in Internal Medicine and has over 20 years experience in Preventive Health and Wellness, Internal, Occupational and Travel Medicine and Executive Health.
Dr. Maita served as Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Prudential Financial, Medical Director on The Pfizer Health Leadership Team and Medical Director of North America for Johnson & Johnson Global Health Service and was an attending physician at St.Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital, Emergency Department and Executive Health Examiners in New York City. She is a consultant for companies wanting to develop or enhance their employee and occupational health and wellness programs and has a private practice in Short Hills, NJ. She is author of “Vibrance for Life: How to Live Younger and Healthier.”
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