Grandparents, parents and children often face comparable health issues. If your family has a history of a specific disease, you may carry inherited risk factors passed down through your DNA. Dr. Lida Anwari helps you identify those risks, understand what they mean, and plan the preventive care that follows.
Book a Genetic Risk Assessment WhatsApp UsDNA, also called Deoxyribonucleic Acid, is the essential molecule of life — the genetic code shared by all living species on Earth. Genetic instructions are passed down from generation to generation, making DNA fundamental to trait inheritance and life's diversity.
Approximately 99 percent of each person's genome is similar to every other human. The unique one percent contains millions of variants, most of which have minimal impact on our health. Scientists have identified hundreds of DNA variations that cause or raise a person's chance of developing disease. Many conditions arise from complex genetic alterations that interact with lifestyle and environment, while hundreds of Mendelian diseases result from a change in a single gene, sufficient on its own to cause the disease.
Genetic risk refers to the probability that an individual will develop a specific disease or health condition due to their genetic makeup. It is determined by the presence or absence of specific genetic variations. Some variants raise the chance of a disease, while others may offer protection.
Deep inside our genetic code lies a complex roadmap of potential health concerns. Some of the most important inherited risks include:
Inherited mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
Family history plays a crucial role in the genetic predisposition to heart-related conditions such as coronary artery disease and hypertension.
Genetic mutations can raise the risk of developing conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Genetic testing analyses an individual's DNA to find significant variants and evaluate susceptibility to specific health conditions. A DNA sample — most commonly from blood or saliva — is examined with cutting-edge technology to find differences in the genetic code. Most testing focuses on genes or gene regions connected to specific disorders, comparing your DNA against a reference sequence to detect variations that may increase disease risk.
For people with a family history of certain genetic disorders, testing can be a life-changing step toward preventive health management. Results deliver critical information, enabling well-informed and timely decisions about treatment options and lifestyle changes — and when mutations are noticed, specific therapies can be designed to target them, such as in cancer treatment.
Having a genetic predisposition to a disease doesn't mean you will develop the condition — but it does increase the likelihood. Preventive steps can remarkably lower the risks, allowing individuals to lead healthier lives. While genetic risks themselves cannot be altered, recognising and managing them can minimise their impact on your health.
Once genetic risks are identified, genetic counselling helps you understand and manage them — explaining the implications of your results, providing emotional support, and helping your family make informed decisions.
Based on your genetic profile, a counsellor can recommend personalised health plans tailored to your specific risks.
By comprehending your genetic risks, you can take proactive measures to prevent or detect disease early, improving treatment outcomes.
For those planning a family, genetic counselling provides vital information about the possibility of passing genetic conditions to offspring.
Genetic risk refers to the possibility or probability that an individual will develop a specific disease or health condition due to their genetic makeup. It is determined by the presence or absence of specific genetic variations linked to those disorders. Some genetic variants raise the chance of a disease, while others may provide protection.
A DNA sample is taken, most commonly from blood or saliva. The DNA is then examined with cutting-edge technology to find differences in the genetic code. Most genetic testing focuses on genes or gene regions connected to specific disorders, comparing your DNA to a reference sequence to detect variations that may increase the chance of developing a certain disease.
No. Having a genetic predisposition to a disease doesn't mean you will develop the condition — it increases the likelihood. Preventive steps such as regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle and, in high-risk cases, prophylactic treatments can remarkably lower the risks and help you lead a healthier life.
Once genetic risks are identified, a genetic counsellor explains the implications of your results, provides emotional support, and helps your family make informed healthcare decisions. Counselling supports personalised health plans, early detection and prevention, and family planning for those hoping to understand the possibility of passing conditions to their children.
Dr. Lida Anwari is a leading expert in genetic risk assessment and counselling, with advanced training and education that make her a trusted consultant in handling high-risk pregnancies. She combines her fetal medicine expertise with genetic insight for optimal prediction and outcomes, offering personalised care and expert guidance so you can take control of your health.