Unlocking the Secrets of Heart Disease: What Your Genes Can Tell You

Heart disease is a significant global health concern, ranking among the leading causes of death. But what if we could harness the power of our genes to predict who is at risk? Enter polygenic risk scores (PRS), a tool that examines multiple genes to assess an individual's likelihood of developing coronary artery disease (CAD).

What Are Polygenic Risk Scores?

PRS act like a genetic report card, indicating whether someone has a higher chance of experiencing a heart attack or issues with their coronary arteries. But how effective are these scores in practice? Researchers set out to answer this question.

The Research: Predicting Heart Attacks and Artery Damage

The study focused on different PRS to determine their ability to predict myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack. Additionally, researchers investigated whether these scores could provide insights into the severity and recurrence of coronary artery lesions—blockages or damage in the arteries supplying blood to the heart.

The Findings: A Promising but Imperfect Tool

The results showed that while PRS offer valuable information, they are not foolproof. Some high-risk individuals may be missed, and others may be incorrectly flagged as high risk. This means that PRS should not be relied upon in isolation.

What This Means for You

PRS are a promising tool, but they are not the final answer. They should be used alongside other risk factors, such as family history, lifestyle, and medical history, to get a complete picture of your heart health.

The Bottom Line

Understanding your genetic risk can be powerful, but it is just one piece of the puzzle. The best way to protect your heart remains a healthy lifestyle.