Understanding Multifactoral Illness and Predisposition
Genetic predisposition describes the increased chance youll develop a certaindiseasebased on your genetic makeup.
A predisposition contributes to the development of a disease but doesnt cause it.
Genetic testing can reveal a predisposition for some diseases.
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This can lead some people to take preventive measures to make it less likely they will develop the illness.
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What Is Genetic Predisposition?
Genetic predisposition isnt the same as a genetic disease.
Genetic predisposition comes from genetic variations.
These gene variants differ from whats considered the standard gene most people have.
Genetic variations can be passed down from parent to child and can also occur spontaneously.
When there are multiple contributing factors, its called a multifactorial illness.
A third sibling might never develop an autoimmune condition simply because they were never exposed to a contributing factor.
Predisposition vs. DNA can be acquired from your blood, hair, urine, saliva, bone, or other tissues.
It’s often collected through a simple cheek swab.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns to learn more.
Is Prevention Possible?
However, the means of prevention vary greatly depending on what disease youre predisposed to.
Genetic predisposition is not the same thing as having a genetic disease.
It simply means that you are at increased risk.
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