Shafaqna English- Scientists have developed a groundbreaking genetic test that can identify people at high risk for dangerous heart rhythms long before symptoms appear.
The new method combines three different genetic analysis approaches into one powerful risk assessment tool, offering unprecedented accuracy in predicting conditions like atrial fibrillation and sudden cardiac death.
Unlike current genetic tests that focus on single aspects of DNA, this comprehensive approach examines rare gene mutations, common genetic variants, and non-coding genome information simultaneously. Researchers analyzed over 1,100 participants, creating what they describe as a “genetic roadmap” that could transform how heart disease is detected and prevented.
The same innovative strategy could be adapted for predicting risk in other complex conditions like cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and autism. However, experts note that genetic testing remains underutilized, with only 1-5% of eligible patients currently receiving these potentially life-saving assessments.
Source: Northwestern University