Surprising Ways that Your Relatives’ Health Can Affect Yours

Researchers have identified a number of intriguing ways that your relatives’ health — and the genes you inherit from your parents — can influence your own wellness. Studies also have revealed a number of insights about how to optimize your wellness, regardless of what’s written in your DNA. Here are some of the latest finding:

• Your parents hold clues to how long you will live. Women have a greater likelihood of living past age 90 without any chronic diseases — such as heart disease, cancer or diabetes — if their mothers did, a recent study reported. An even newer study found that children of long-lived parents have a significantly lower risk for developing arterial disease, heart failure, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The researchers also found that for each parent who lived past age 70, study participants had a 20 percent lower risk for dying from heart disease, even when a wide range of factors were taken into account.
• Genes can predict your risk for heart disease — and the best ways to reduce it. About 50 percent of Americans carry genes that greatly increase their risk for heart attacks and strokes, such as 9P21, often called “the heart attack gene.” However, as we recently reported, a very large study found that people with 9P21 and other genes that put them at high risk for developing heart disease cut their risk by about 50 percent if they are physically fit. The BaleDoneen Method uses genetic testing to offer insights into our patients’ risk for heart attacks and strokes — as well as the best diet to reduce that risk. Click here to learn more about a diet based on your DNA.
• A simple blood test can reveal if you are at genetic risk for atrial fibrillation. Up to 6.1 million Americans have atrial fibrillation (AF), an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, heart failure and increased risk for death from cardiovascular causes. Having AF quintuples risk for stroke and doubles it for heart attack or dementia. Although early detection and treatment can help save lives, this dangerous disorder often goes undiagnosed until the patient has suffered serious complications, such as a stroke. Discuss your risk for AF with your medical provider and ask about a simple blood test to check for a genetic variant called 4q25 that greatly increases the likelihood of developing AF. Click here to learn more about this test and who should consider it.
• Even if heart attacks, strokes and/or dementia run in your family, there is a proven way to avoid these devastating conditions. Check out the BaleDoneen Method’s new AHA (Arterial Health Assurance) for Life program. Drawing on the latest peer-reviewed science and the pioneering new medical specialty of “arteriology,” the program is designed to protect, enhance and even save your life with a unique, precision-medicine approach to prevention. This has been shown in two recent peer-reviewed studies to rapidly shrink and stabilize arterial plaque, helping patients avoid heart attacks and strokes, even if they have already suffered one or more of these events. The program includes a free, personalized risk assessment for arterial disease and a wealth of online tools and resources to support you step-by-step through our life-changing disease reversal and prevention method, practiced by thousands of healthcare providers around the world.