Exploring the Impact of Heart Disease and the Role of Genetic Counseling in Shaping Cardiac Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for people living in the United States. Recent data by the CDC reported that roughly 13,000 people die weekly due to heart disease and 17.9 million people died worldwide in 2022 due to heart disease according to the World Health Organization . The burden of heart disease goes beyond just physical symptoms; there are long lasting financial effects as well. For example, heart disease in the United States costs more than $321 annually—$193 billion in direct medical costs and $128 billion in productivity loss from early death. It, of course, doesn’t take any advanced analysis to understand the emotional cost of heart disease and its effect on families as well. This heart month, we want to recognize the importance of treating heart disease proactively and with urgency.
Inequitable Heart Disease Opportunities and Outcomes
While it’s important to recognize the impact of heart disease generally, it’s also essential that we acknowledge inequitable heart disease outcomes and opportunities in the United States. Black people are 30% more likely to develop heart disease in the United States, according to the Department of Human Health and Services. According to the American Heart Association, Black adults in the United States are 20% more likely to die from heart disease compared to white adults. Access to healthcare for cardiac disease is oftentimes limited for people of color resulting in drastic disparities and outcomes. For example, Black patients with heart attacks are less likely to receive on-time reperfusion therapy or coronary artery bypass graft surgery compared to white patients, according to studies in JAMA cardiology. Socioeconomic status can also be highly predictive of heart disease, with lower income levels having a higher incidence of heart failure compared to those with higher income levels. Not only is incidence higher in lower socioeconomic status, but so is mortality risk. Research published in Circulation has consistently shown a strong link between lower socioeconomic status and higher mortality rates from heart disease. Individuals with lower income, less education, and lower occupational status (elements which tend to demonstrate lower socioeconomic status) have been found to suffer from significantly higher heart disease-based mortality rates in comparison to those with higher socioeconomic status. It’s also important that we address issues that underlie socioeconomic status such as access to grocery stores and fresh produce, healthy living conditions, and being in overall safe environments, in order to better combat health inequity.
“Black people are 30% more likely to develop heart disease in the United States”
Genetic Counseling: A Key Asset for Mitigating Risk
Genetic counseling can be key to assess and avoid your risk of heart disease. There are several cardiac issues that can be influenced by genetics. Seeing a genetic counselor allows you to analyze your risk of heart disease since understanding your genetic profile can allow you and your care team to create a comprehensive long-term plan to combat risk. There is, after all, a reason why family history is so important when it comes to heart conditions. For example, Long QT syndrome can be especially problematic for individuals with a genetic history. People with Long QT syndrome are at a significantly higher risk for sudden cardiac arrest and seizures. Individuals with mutations in the KCNQ1, KCNH, and SCN5A genes are heavily predisposed to Long QT syndrome, something that would only be identified via genetic testing. According to the Heart Rhythm Society and the European Heart Rhythm Association, 75% to 80% of individuals with Long QT syndrome have identifiable genetic mutations through genetic testing.
Genetic counseling can also be key to identifying and analyzing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can cause several major complications to the heart including heart failure and stroke. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be traced through mutations in the MYH7, MYBPC3, TNNT2, TNNI3, and ACTC1 genes. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is also typically inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning that a mutation in a single copy of the gene inherited from either parent is enough to present the condition in an individual. The genetic basis for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy underscores the importance of genetic counseling to analyze your risk of heart disease. Familial hypercholesterolemia is another cardiac condition that is heavily rooted in genetics. Mutations in the LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9 genes can be key to evaluating a genetic predisposition for hypercholesterolemia. Long QT, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and familial hypercholesterolemia, among many other genetic heart conditions are part of the reason why we at My Precious Genes have specialized cardiology services to help our clients specifically identify their cardiovascular risk.
My Precious Genes is committed to providing top of the line, accessible genetic counseling for heart disease. We strive to provide seamless, affordable care to all of our clients. Our 48 hour turnaround guarantees provision of the quick care that everyone deserves. We have a flexible payment plan to provide to families of various socioeconomic backgrounds and needs, to ensure that our clients are able to access services in a manner that suits them. Though healthcare continues to embrace today’s age of automation and artificial intelligence, we always provide 100%, real, human, certified genetic counselors that have specialized areas of expertise that will meet your healthcare needs.
Our responsibility at My Precious Genes is manyfold. It is to provide our clients with excellent specialized streamlined genetic counseling services, but it’s also to provide the broader community with the resources and knowledge required to battle genetic diseases. This American Heart Month, let’s remember that your heart health deserves your attention and care. Join us today in our mission to ensure that we keep you happy and healthy, no matter your age, gender, or other risk factors.
By: Sahil Kattar, Marketing Analyst
