Inherited Risk for Heart Attack ('AMI Gene-Gene Panel')
Heart Attack Risk
Your level of inherited risk is reported -- from very low to high, based on genes in inflammation and cholesterol metabolism. The test was developed to assess predisposition for white persons of European ancestry.
This is not a diagnostic test and does not indicate the presence or absence of acute myocardial infarction. A risk score is not an absolute indicator that a person will or will not have a heart attack.
Genes in inflammation and cholesterol metabolism identify a level of risk from very low to high
One in five deaths in the U.S. is due to heart attack, caused by many factors, both inherited and related to lifestyle.
Our overall assessment of inherited predisposition to heart attack evaluates a number of genes that are involved in cholesterol metabolism and inflammation. This body of information enables persons to be categorized as at very low, low, moderate or high risk based on the presence and interaction of those genes. Click here for detailed information.
The percentage of the population at each risk level is shown in Figure 1, and indicates that most people are at very low or low risk. Your personal genetic assessment will be compared to the general population to determine your level of risk for heart attack. For example, you might be low risk, with 64% of the population having lower risk and 36% having higher risk.
Figure 1. Heart attack risk in the population.
This test defines a wide range of inherited predisposition to heart attack. No claim is made that all relevant genes are tested. Further, a low level of inherited predisposition does not quarantee that you will not develop heart attack, nor does a high level of predisposition quarantee that you will develop heart attack. We hope that you share this information with your physician, who is welcome to contact us.
There are many modifiable risk factors for heart attack: Limit tobacco use, exercise, and control your weight, blood pressure & cholesterol level. Choose good nutrition.
Heart Attack Links
- American Heart Association Heart disease is the leading killer of Americans today; heart attack is its most visible sign. Find an explanation of heart attack, prevention guidelines.
- Mayo Clinic: Heart Attack A heart attack usually occurs when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood.
- The Genetic Alliance The world's leading nonprofit health advocacy organization committed to transforming health through genetics.
- Envita provides better and more state-of-the art techniques of fighting disease. Visit now to find out more.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: cardiovascular benefits, sources and sustainability. Nat Rev Cardiology 6, 753-758,