Can Genetics Predict Your Heart Health_ Here’s What You Need to Know

1. Can Genetics Predict Your Heart Health? Here’s What You Need to Know Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. While lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and smoking status play a huge role in your heart health, genetics is another powerful piece of the puzzle. If you have a family history of heart disease, you may have wondered: Can genetics predict your heart health? The short answer is yes — your genetic makeup can influence your likelihood of developing certain cardiovascular conditions. But genetics is not destiny. By understanding your inherited risks, and working with an expert like a cardiologist in Brampton Ontario, you can take proactive steps to protect your heart. In this article, we explore how genetics influences heart health, the types of inherited heart conditions, and what you can do if you’re at higher risk — with insights from Dr Sunny Malhotra, a leading name in preventive cardiology. The Role of Genetics in Heart Health

2. Your genes carry the biological instructions that determine many aspects of your health — including how your heart functions. Genetic variants can affect: ● Cholesterol levels ● Blood pressure regulation ● How your body responds to inflammation ● How your arteries function and age Some people inherit a single gene mutation that strongly increases their risk of heart disease. Others may inherit a combination of gene variants that have smaller effects but add up over time, especially when combined with poor lifestyle habits. Common Heart Conditions with a Genetic Component 1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) This is the most common type of heart disease and can run in families. If your parent or sibling had a heart attack or stroke early in life, your risk is significantly higher. 2. Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) A genetic condition where the body is unable to remove low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) from the blood efficiently, leading to extremely high cholesterol levels — even in childhood. 3. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) A condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder to pump blood. This can lead to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest, especially in young athletes. 4. Arrhythmias and Long QT Syndrome Some types of irregular heartbeats have a genetic basis. These can be

3. life-threatening if not managed properly. 5. Congenital Heart Defects Some people are born with structural heart problems, which may be influenced by inherited genes. Should You Get Genetic Testing? If you have a strong family history of heart disease, genetic testing can provide useful information. Tests can identify whether you carry certain gene variants associated with heart disease. However, it's important to remember that: ● Genetic testing doesn’t give a yes-or-no answer — it assesses risk, not certainty. ● It should always be interpreted in the context of your full medical history. ● A qualified cardiologist in Brampton Ontario, such as Dr Sunny Malhotra, can help you understand your results and guide your next steps. Genetic counseling is often recommended before and after testing to ensure you make informed decisions. Family History vs. Genetics: What’s the Difference? While these terms are often used interchangeably, they’re not exactly the same. ● Family history refers to patterns of disease within your family. ● Genetics involves specific changes in DNA that can be inherited.

4. Your family history can offer clues about potential genetic risks, but it also reflects shared environmental factors — like diet, activity level, and exposure to stress. That’s why a comprehensive heart risk assessment by a cardiologist is so valuable. It considers genetics, family history, lifestyle, and current health status to paint a full picture of your cardiovascular risk. How a Cardiologist in Brampton Ontario Can Help If you're located in or around the GTA, seeing an experienced cardiologist in Brampton Ontario like Dr Sunny Malhotra can give you access to personalized heart care based on your genetic profile and family history. Dr Sunny Malhotra specializes in preventive cardiology, meaning his focus is on identifying and reducing heart risk before symptoms appear. Here's what his clinic can offer: 1. Comprehensive Risk Assessment Including cholesterol profiling, blood pressure monitoring, lifestyle evaluation, and family history review. 2. Genetic Counseling Referrals If you meet criteria for testing, Dr Malhotra can refer you to appropriate specialists for detailed genetic analysis. 3. Personalized Prevention Plans Even if your genes put you at risk, lifestyle still matters. Dr Malhotra creates targeted plans for diet, exercise, stress management, and medications (if necessary). 4. Ongoing Monitoring Regular follow-ups ensure that your heart health is trending in the right direction, and adjustments are made as needed.

5. Can You Outsmart Your Genes? The good news: genetics load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger. Even if you carry genes associated with heart disease, your daily choices can dramatically reduce the likelihood those genes ever lead to illness. Here’s how: ● Stay Active: Exercise strengthens your heart, lowers blood pressure, and improves cholesterol. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity. ● Eat Smart: Focus on heart-friendly foods like leafy greens, berries, whole grains, fish, nuts, and olive oil. ● Monitor Your Health: Get your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checked regularly — especially if you have a family history. ● Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: These habits directly increase cardiovascular risk. ● Manage Stress: Chronic stress contributes to inflammation and high blood pressure. Try meditation, deep breathing, or counseling. ● Work with a Heart Specialist: Regular check-ins with a cardiologist in Brampton Ontario like Dr Sunny Malhotra will help you stay ahead of potential issues. When to See a Heart Specialist for Genetic Risk You should consider a heart screening or consultation if:

6. ● A close relative had a heart attack or stroke before age 55 (men) or 65 (women) ● You have high cholesterol despite a healthy lifestyle ● You’ve experienced fainting, heart palpitations, or unexplained fatigue ● You’re planning pregnancy and have a known family heart history ● You simply want peace of mind and a proactive prevention plan Final Thoughts Genetics can provide valuable insight into your risk for heart disease, but they are only one piece of the puzzle. Armed with this knowledge and guided by a cardiologist in Brampton Ontario like Dr Sunny Malhotra, you can take meaningful steps toward a healthier, longer life. If heart disease runs in your family, don’t wait for symptoms to start. Schedule a comprehensive assessment with Dr Sunny Malhotra and get the tools, support, and expert care you need to safeguard your heart—no matter what your genes say. Book Your Appointment Today Visit ?www.drsunnymalhotra.com or call 647-243-2780 to schedule your consultation with a trusted cardiologist in Brampton Ontario.