Gene test could 'prevent' heart disease
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more from Tech:
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2008/08/29/2350114.htm
Australian health authorities are considering using a targeted genetic screening program to prevent costly heart disease cases.From ABC Science:
"Three Australian experts this week called for more support to screen families with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), which involves a defective gene that prevents liver cells from taking up cholesterol from the blood.
The call follows reports that UK authorities may soon recommend at-risk children under the age of 10 years be screened for the FH gene."
It is believed that a genetic test could help identify FH early, so that people could take action to prevent heart disease, like giving up smoking or improving their diet.
Some are worried though that this measure could cause complacency and should not be marketed as an entirely preventative solution.
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