A recent article in the New York Times took an interesting look at the genetic links of heart disease within a particular family. It seems that heart disease is commonly seen as a disease that can be prevented by controlling variables such as weight control, healthy diet, exercise, and refraining from smoking. For many people this is true, but for the Del Sontro family this is not the case. In fact, six of the seven siblings presented with early age heart disease despite their rigorous efforts to control their health. As a result of recent concerns and fears of sudden heart failure the family decided to participate in a study in which scientists are analyzing the genetic makeup of each member of the Del Sontro family, seeking allele mutations in the three billion chemicals that make up human DNA.
Recent advances in data processing has allowed this process to be possible, while in prior years this wouldn't even be fathomable. Although, there are still 30,000 genes in each person’s DNA which can be painstakingly difficult to find the particular glitches that are present in the Del Sontro family, as opposed to normal healthy individuals. A recent journal posted on the American Heart Association's website did research regarding the determination of genes related to heart disease and they found the proposed genetic locus responsible for LDL subclass phenotypes also results in an atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype. This research among others like this are steps in the right direction in identifying the culprit.
I have hope that with the progress that technology is making we will one day be able to determine the genetic culprit, and eventually be able to offer some type of genetic counseling that will allow us to be able to prevent and treat heart disease in a more effective manner. People who have genetic heart disease predisposition's, the Del Sontro family in particular are living in fear just basically waiting for something to happen and afraid to deviate from the healthy path even remotely.
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