A new genetic test has been created to screen for risks of five serious conditions, including heart disease, breast cancer and diabetes.
Scientists at Harvard and the Broad Institute, which published its results on Monday in the journal Nature Genetics, are working on building a website where patients can upload their DNA information from 23andMe or Ancestry.com and receive risk scores from their data, Business Insider US reported.
As of now, the test will be given to patients free of charge, which can determine the risk of contracting coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and breast cancer.
By examining changes in DNA at 6.6 million places in the human genome, scientists were able to identify a greater portion of the population at risk. This could enable enhanced screening or preventive therapies if integrated into clinical care.
Tests screening for heart attack and heart disease risks have historically relied on only one specific gene. These monogenic gene mutations that indicated heart disease were also very rare, so it identified only a small subset of those who are at-risk. However, most diseases risks are determined by more than one gene.
Genetics, however, aren't the only factors that can determine health risks. Lifestyle factors can also play a role and healthy living can reduce the risk of heart attacks even if a patient is genetically predisposed to it.