Welcome to another insightful post from the Cross County Cardiology Education Team. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge to make informed decisions about your heart health. Today, we’re tackling a topic that often leads to confusion—how genetics and lifestyle play a role in heart disease. Let’s bust some myths together!
Myth 1: Heart Disease is Solely Caused by Genetics
One of the most common misconceptions about heart disease is that it’s purely genetic. In reality, heart disease can stem from genetics, lifestyle factors, or a combination of both. Let’s break it down:
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Genetically Transmitted Diseases: These occur when a gene mutation passed down from parents causes a specific heart condition. This type of heart disease often runs in families and can be identified through genetic testing.
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Genetic Predisposition: This means you carry genes that make you more susceptible to heart disease, but it’s not guaranteed that you’ll develop the condition. Many people with a family history of heart disease fall into this category.
The Good News? Even if you have a genetic predisposition, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk. While you can’t change your genes, lifestyle changes can make a significant impact.
Myth 2: Lifestyle Changes Don’t Matter If You Have 'Bad' Genes
This myth can be particularly harmful. Many people believe that if they have a family history of heart disease, lifestyle changes won’t make a difference. That’s simply not true.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2016 showed that people with a genetic predisposition to heart disease could lower their risk by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Factors like a balanced diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking can decrease the risk of heart disease—even in high-risk genetic groups (Khera, et al., 2016).
Key Takeaways
- Heart disease results from both genetics and lifestyle factors.
- Even if you have a genetic predisposition, a healthy lifestyle can help manage your risk.
- Your heart health is influenced by what you do every day, not just your DNA.
At Cross County Cardiology, we believe that your heart health is in your hands as much as it’s in your genes. Whether you’re managing risk factors or want to learn more about prevention, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Sources:
Khera AV, et al. (2016). Genetic Risk, Adherence to a Healthy Lifestyle, and Coronary Disease. New England Journal of Medicine. DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1605086.
If you’d like more information on managing your heart health, reach out to our team or schedule a consultation today. Your heart deserves the best care, and we’re here to provide it.
