It’s understandable that you might hesitate to learn about your genetic risk for heart problems. Sometimes it can be difficult or scary to think about – even if part of you wants to better understand your risk or learn about ways to reduce your risk. A genetic expert is a medical professional trained to help you learn about your risk for heart problems, with the goal of improving your health. Genetic experts recognize that learning about a risk for heart problems isn’t always easy and offer compassion and support through the process.
Here are some ways that a genetic expert can help improve your health or your family’s health:
- A genetic specialist is a medical professional trained to recognize and help you learn your risk for heart problems, which may be different than you think. Sometimes your actual risk is higher – or lower – than you assumed. This information could make a difference in the medical care plan you’ve made with your doctor.
- A genetic expert will determine your risks for heart problems and talk with you about the option of genetic testing, if applicable. Talking about the pros and cons and focusing on the facts can be helpful as you consider your options.
- If you choose to have genetic testing, a genetic expert can explain your results to you. Then you can work together to make an action plan to take full advantage of what you learned with your doctor.
- Genetic experts create action plans based on medical guidelines and recommendations, which are tailored to you and your family. Ultimately, the goal is to improve your health by reducing your risk for complications associated with inherited heart conditions.