Is genetics destiny when it comes to heart disease?
A new analysis of data from more than 55,000 people provides an answer. It finds that by living right — by not smoking, by exercising moderately and by eating a healthy diet heavy in fruits, vegetables and grains — people can tamp down even the worst genetic risk.
“DNA is not destiny; it is not deterministic for this disease,” said Dr. Sekar Kathiresan, the director of the Center for Human Genetic Research at Massachusetts General Hospital. “You do have control over the problem, even if you have been dealt a bad genetic hand.”
For the third time in the past 25 years, we confirm that diet and exercise is good for you, despite “genetic” risk.
It is now considered true that up to 85-90% of our risk of heart disease is environmental and life style, not genetic!! So, take care of yourselves and those that you love. Bug them to eat right… especially in the upcoming Holidays.
Dr. Herskowitz