Queen Mary University London and Imperial College London researchers have identified 535 genes linked to the condition, who say a third of the risk is inherited. Identifying those with high genetic risk as early as possible allows doctors to stress importance of healthy lifestyle interventions sooner which includes exercise, healthy well balanced meals, avoiding smoking and junkfood/sodas, and limiting/avoiding dining from fast food restaurants and take out windows.
Data from one million people were analysed finding those with the highest genetic scores were 3.34 times more likely to develop high blood pressure as the lowest; and those with the highest genetic scores were 1.5 times more likely to have a stroke or heart attack. A drug used in the treatment of diabetes targets one of the newly linked genes and may offer a potential lifeline to these at risk patients as well.
Screening for those at higher risks can allow for earlier intervention and improve quality of life and survival rates. Salivary diagnostics has great potential promise and is championed by some as alternative to urine and blood early diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring status as the diagnostic fluid of the future as it is easy, safe, non-invasive, and inexpensive method of sampling gaining scientific and clinical attention.
