Significant strides made in genetics can now provide health insights that can empower individuals and healthcare providers to manage critical health conditions such as coronary artery disease (CAD). An instrumental breakthrough in analysing an individual's vulnerability to CAD comes in the form of Polygenic Risk Score (PRS). PRS captures an individual’s genetic susceptibility to complex diseases or phenotype and estimates an individual’s lifetime genetic risk for the disease. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the nuances of PRS and its pivotal role in managing CAD and its prevention.
How it works
It is a screening test based on the PRS principle and helps in estimating the genetic predisposition of an individual to develop coronary artery disease (CAD). The risk is calculated from >6 million genetic markers implicated in the disease and is given as a validated Polygenic Risk Score. The score indicates if the individual is at high, moderate and average genetic risk compared to the general population.
Conventional screening tests considers an individuals’ weight, lifestyle, routine blood tests, which are variable through the lifetime of an individual and the risk prediction is not accurate. MedGenome’s Kardiogen is an independent genetic predictor and is free from variabilities. The test is purely based on an individual’s genetic makeup and predicts the risk profile. The test is tailored to and validated for the South Asian population.
Empowering heart health
Understanding your Polygenic Risk Score can have a transformative impact on your heart health journey:
Early risk identification: The PRS enables early identification of individuals who may be at higher risk for CAD, even in the absence of traditional risk factors like high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels at the given time point of testing.
Personalised prevention: Armed with knowledge about your genetic risk, you can adopt targeted preventive measures that align with your genetic profile. Lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes, exercise routines, and stress management, can be tailored to your specific needs.
Informed decision-making: For individuals with a higher PRS, regular health check-ups and screenings become even more crucial. Moreover, you can make informed decisions in consultation with healthcare professionals about when and how to start interventions or treatments.
Research advancements: Your genetic data, when aggregated with those of others, contributes to ongoing research aimed at unravelling the genetic underpinnings of heart diseases. This collective effort facilitates the development of more accurate PRS models and innovative treatments.
In the journey towards optimal heart health, knowledge is your most potent tool. The Polygenic Risk Score, a marvel of modern genomics, empowers you to take charge of your cardiovascular well-being like never before. Remember, caring for your heart begins with understanding it at the genetic level – and the Polygenic Risk Score is the compass that can help guide you toward a healthier future. With this genetic knowledge, you may make informed decisions and take preventative steps that are tailored to your specific risk profile, skip the suspense by paving the way for long-term heart health.
