Gene of the week: ITGB3. Heart disease remains the biggest reason for early death in the western world. Many genetic variations play an important role in the development of this degenerative disease. This week’s gene plays a role in blood thinning. Many people take blood thinning medication as having too thick blood, may result in easier formation of blood clots and higher blood pressure. Some take medications for it, others rely on simple aspirin. It was discovered that people with the genotype C:C and C:T for this week’s gene have a 2.5 times and 2.0 times higher risk for myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, that occurs when blood flow decreases or stops to a part of the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle. 26% of the western population has one of these risk genotypes. A study in Finland found that the risk may be as high as 4.0 times, when other genotypes are also present. When the risk genotype is present, it is therefore very important to reduce the intake of saturated fats, triglycerides, and make sure that there are natural blood thinning micronutrients present in the GenHealth product. Also additional omega-3 fatty acids may be present, as they are helpful in keeping your blood flowing in a healthy way. This last addition is not fit for all, as there may be another genetic variation present for which too much omega-3 fatty acids reduce the presence of the good cholesterol, HDL. Also, I find it very interesting that overlaps can occur between effects of certain genotypes for specific health concerns and others. This gene, also has been shown to have an increased risk outcome for autism, a health concern that is seemingly unrelated to heart disease. `Perhaps, such discoveries can teach us that unknown factors, such as blood thinning, may have an effect for this mental disorder. Genetic variations have a lot to tell, and keep amazing me.
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