By Dr. Dhaval Naik.
As India observes National DNA Day on April 24, it is important to reflect on genetics, a critical but often overlooked aspect of heart health.
Heart disease is commonly linked to lifestyle factors such as an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and stress. While these are important, there is growing recognition that genetic predisposition plays a significant role, particularly in the Indian population.
In clinical practice, it is not uncommon to see young people, many of them in their 30s or 40s, presenting with serious cardiac events despite appearing otherwise healthy. In many such cases, the underlying risk lies in inherited factors.
Globally, cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death. In India, however, the pattern is more concerning, with earlier onset and increasing incidence. A family history of heart disease, especially among first-degree relatives at a young age, significantly raises a person's risk profile. This is an aspect that requires greater awareness and attention.
One important genetic risk factor is lipoprotein(a), a substance in the blood whose levels are largely determined by heredity rather than lifestyle. Elevated levels are associated with a higher risk of early heart disease, and a substantial number of Indians may have increased levels without even being aware of it.
Advances in medical science have made it possible to identify high-risk individuals at an earlier stage, sometimes even before symptoms develop. This creates an opportunity to adopt preventive strategies promptly.
Preventive measures remain simple but highly effective. These include maintaining regular physical activity, following a balanced diet, managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and avoiding the use of tobacco. Even in people with a genetic predisposition, these interventions can significantly reduce the likelihood of serious cardiac conditions.
At the same time, awareness around genetic risks remains low. Many people are not fully aware of their family's medical history, and the use of genetic screening or specialised testing is not yet very common in routine healthcare.
A practical starting point is to pay attention to family history. Understanding whether close relatives have experienced heart disease at a young age can provide valuable insight into one's own risk and guide timely medical consultation.
It is equally important to recognise that genetics does not equate to inevitability. While inherited factors may increase risk, lifestyle choices and early intervention play a decisive role in determining outcomes.
As healthcare continues to evolve, integrating genetic awareness into preventive cardiology will become increasingly important. For now, the approach should remain focused on awareness, early assessment and proper lifestyle management.
Prevention, particularly in the context of heart disease, begins well before the onset of symptoms. In many cases, it begins with understanding one's genetic risk.
(The author is a Cardiothoracic & Heart Transplant Surgeon at Marengo CIMS Hospital, Ahmedabad, with an experience of more than 20,000 cardiac surgeries)
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