Do your genes make you more susceptible to heart attack?

Genetics play a significant role in whether you will have a heart attack or stroke. However, though we cannot yet alter our genes, we can “hack” them.  Some genetic information can determine optimal treatment choices for you that may or may not be right for others, even those in the same family. 

Lifestyle choices and environmental exposure can change the way our genes are expressed (how the body uses information in our genes to create proteins and other molecules). This concept is called epigenetics.

Our genes are a blueprint for our bodies, but epigenetic changes can influence which genes are turned on or off. These changes can be passed down from one generation to the next, and can also be affected by our diet, exposure to toxins, and other factors. Studying epigenetics can help us understand how these changes occur, and how they may contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

Genetic testing is becoming more affordable. Since it only needs to be done once, it can actually be quite cost-effective even if insurance plans don’t cover the costs.

What types of genes are analyzed during genetic testing at The CureCenter for Chronic Disease?

Here are some, but not all, genes that are analyzed during genetic testing that may indicate risk of heart attack:

• Haptoglobin Genotype:

  • Haptoglobin genotype 1-1

    • Lowest risk for vascular disease events

    • Vitamin E increases risk of vascular events

  • Haptoglobin genotype 1-2

    • Increases your risk by 200%

    • Vitamin E increases vascular event risk in this group as well.

    • Gluten increases chronic inflammation moderately. Gluten avoidance is optimal

  • Haptoglobin genotype 2-2

    • Increases risk of vascular events by 500%! 

    • Vitamin E mixed tocopherols reduces cardiovascular risk! Now that is cool to know! 

    • Gluten also provokes a significant increase in inflammation in the gut for this genotype. Therefore, gluten should be avoided by individuals with this genotype. Gluten avoidance is also important for those who are haptoglobin 1-2 because they are very prone to gluten triggered inflammation.

• ApoE Genotype:  ApoE 4 genes increases risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and arterial disease. It can predict better outcomes with a very low fat diet and no alcohol. If you are willing to modify these choices based on the result, let’s get it. Howver, if other dietary priorities, like reducing carbs due to insulin resistance, are a priority, maybe it won’t matter. ApoE 2 or 3 genes are lower risk for arterial disease and dementia, and generally do well with a low carbohydrate diet with more liberal fat.

• KIF-6 Genotype: KIF-6 genotype determines whether atorvastatin and pravastatin are effective or ineffective at reducing heart attack and stroke frequency. However, if we use rosuvastatin or lovastatin as our preferred statin, it doesn’t matter.  Again, it is useful in a limited set of circumstances. 

• 9p21 Genotype is the Heart Attack Gene. It is the one to beat, as the title of Dr. Bale and Dr. Doneen’s book suggests.  However, there is no specific treatment for this gene. Its presence could motivate someone sitting on the fence about some treatments, but for the most part, we rarely order it since our program is based upon measurable disease, not risk. 

Awareness of higher risk can provoke more proactive efforts on controllable factors. However, if you already have a disease, being “low risk” doesn’t change your plan. You need to act on the disease to put it into remission.

There are other genes that determine how you metabolize medications. This can be important if you are on multiple medications that can interact with one another or require metabolism for elimination or activation. When inquiring about genetic testing, ask your doctor about these genes. Be wary of commercial panels of an array of genetic tests that can add more “noise” than “signal.” 23 and Me offers little useful information for testing that really matters.

Knowing your genetics allows The CureCenter to individualize and personalize your care to lower your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. We offer genetic testing for all and encourage it especially for those who have had a heart attack, stroke, TIA, stent, bypass or signs of dementia to optimize treatment. For others, it enables the best possible choices to personalize your care.  

Our general rule is to order genetic tests that will determine a specific change in choices or prescriptions.

For recommendations on genetic testing, request your complimentary Discovery Call with Dr. Backs and take the first step toward ensuring a long and healthy life.