Experts have found a strong genetic link for these diseases
Brits could be significantly more likely to develop health issues due to factors beyond their control that begin at birth – as a doctor identifies the 10 deadly diseases and conditions we’re genetically more predisposed to developing.
Fresh research shows half (49 per cent) of UK adults are completely oblivious to their blood type, whilst 55 per cent remain ignorant about their family’s medical history regarding major illnesses such as heart problems, cancer or diabetes.
Alarmingly, a quarter are unaware if relatives are taking medication, with 49 per cent unable to inform a paramedic which tablets their loved ones would require during an emergency, reports the Express. Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies medical specialist Dr Dawn Harper has listed 10 common and potentially fatal diseases and conditions any of us could unknowingly be genetically susceptible to.
Dr Dawn Harper, who examined the findings from the survey of 2,000 adults, commented: “It highlights a worrying gap in how little many people know about their own health history and that of their families. It’s surprising how often even basic details, such as hereditary conditions or long-term family health patterns, go unnoticed or unrecorded.”
She continued: “Some may take the view that if something is ‘in your genes,’ there’s little you can do about it, but I firmly believe that knowledge is power. Understanding your genetic predispositions gives you the chance to take control, to make informed decisions, adopt preventative habits, and in many cases, reduce your overall risk through simple lifestyle changes.”
MiCode, the company behind the research, offers a secure digital vault for all your health essentials – from blood type to medication lists. Professor James Ohene-Djan, of MiCode, commented: “This survey shows a shocking gap in our national health knowledge.”
Here are 10 potentially hereditary diseases and conditions you may be at risk of:
High blood pressure
Dr Harper advises: “High blood pressure is what we call a multifactorial disease. Lots of lifestyle factors can influence our blood pressure, but there is also a genetic link and contrary to popular belief, most people with high blood pressure don’t get headaches or visual problems. Most have no symptoms at all. I think everyone over 40 should have their blood pressure checked and if high blood pressure runs in your family, you should be checked earlier.”
High cholesterol
According to Dr Harper: “Only 20 per cent of our cholesterol comes from our diet. The rest is made in our bodies. There is a condition called familial hypercholesterolaemia which, as the name suggests, is an inherited condition which can lead to high cholesterol and if this runs in your family, you should definitely know your cholesterol.”
Heart disease
Dr Harper said: “Like blood pressure, there are lots of lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of developing heart disease. It’s important to know if close relatives have had heart attacks, especially if it happened when they were young, because that would potentially mean an increased risk of developing heart disease and may mean an individual could pay closer attention to adapting their lifestyle to mitigate that risk.”
Diabetes
Dr Harper explained: “There are 4.6 million people in the UK with diabetes and 6.3 million living with pre-diabetes. It is also estimated that there are a further 1.3 million people in the UK with diabetes who have not yet been diagnosed. If diabetes runs in your family and you have not been tested, you could be one of them. Diabetes increases the risk of serious conditions like heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, loss of sight and peripheral vascular disease, so it is vital to get checked.”
Osteoporosis
This particular condition has a strong genetic link, according to Dr Harper. She said: “Osteoporosis (thin bone disease) has a strong genetic link. People often tell me they know they are fine because they don’t have any aches and pains, but osteoporosis has no symptoms until the bones are so thin that they break easily. Osteoporosis in the spine can cause the vertebrae to crush under the weight of the body. Having a first degree relative with osteoporosis significantly increases your risk of developing the disease and you may be eligible for a DEXA scan on the NHS.”
Cancer, specifically breast, prostate, colon, ovary, pancreas, skin (melanoma), stomach, uterus, kidney, thyroid, eye and brain
Dr Harper advised: “All of these cancers have a genetic risk and if they run in your family, you could be referred to a genetic specialist for gene testing. I recall meeting three sisters when I was filming for Embarrassing Bodies. There was a strong family history of breast cancer at a young age, and they had all decided to get genetic testing. Two of the sisters tested positive. One chose to have a bilateral mastectomy and the other decided to watch her weight, cut down on alcohol, do more exercise and stop hormonal contraception (all factors that can increase the risk of developing breast cancer). All three agreed they were glad to have found out, so that they could make informed decisions.”
Alzheimer’s
Dr Harper said: “There is a genetic link to developing Alzheimer’s. If you know this runs in your family, you can reduce your risk by altering your lifestyle. Anything that is good for the heart is good for the brain, so maintaining a healthy weight, eating a well-balanced diet, taking regular exercise, not smoking and drinking alcohol within recommended limits will help reduce your risk. Challenging your brain with word games, sudoku, or learning a new language will help keep your brain healthy.”
Asthma and allergies
Asthma is another condition where the genetic link is strong. Dr Harper explained: “There is a strong genetic link with asthma. It is vital that you know about any allergies in your loved ones, and they know any in you, so that that can be communicated in an emergency situation to the medics looking after them or you.”
Mental health issues
According to Dr Harper: “Mental health problems often have a genetic link and if, for example, depression and anxiety run in your family, it is a good idea to prioritise your own mental health. Take regular exercise, spend time in nature, manage stress and stay connected with friends.”
Auto-immune diseases
Dr Harper said: “All auto-immune diseases have a genetic link. If you know someone in your family has an auto-immune disease and you start to develop symptoms, your GP would get you tested.”
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.
