Genetic screening: A lifesaving tool against sudden heart attacks
In recent times, there has been a deeply troubling trend of young, healthy-looking individuals collapsing and dying suddenly from cardiac arrest. The incidents in Karnataka’s Hassan district are just one example. These tragedies have made one thing clear: we need to act before it’s too late.
Dr Ramesh Menon, director, Genomic Medicine and Personal Genomics, MedGenome, talks of the importance of genetic screening.
Routine heart screening isn’t enough anymore
Typically, heart check-ups are recommended for older people or for those with symptoms. But what if there are no signs at all? Many of the young victims had no known symptoms or health conditions. Some had a family history of heart disease, others may have been under stress, living unhealthy lifestyles, or simply unaware of hidden risks. In such cases, early routine screening for blood pressure, cholesterol, and ECGs is essential, but it may still not be enough.
Genetic screening
Genetic screening looks for tiny variations in your DNA that may increase your risk of developing heart disease. It is particularly useful for detecting rare genetic heart conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a condition where the heart muscle, particularly the left ventricle becomes thick) and familial hypercholesterolemia (a condition of elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood) which often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Common diseases like coronary artery disease (CAD) can be detected by identifying clusters of gene variations that signal higher risk, even before symptoms show up.
By identifying these risks early, individuals can take preventive steps such as making lifestyle changes, starting regular heart check-ups, or taking medications under medical supervision.
Why this matters?
India has a rising burden of heart disease, especially among young adults. What makes it more dangerous is that many heart conditions can directly lead to a cardiac arrest without warning. Compounding this is our genetic makeup, which makes Indians two to three times more prone to heart disease than many other global populations.
Tests like MedGenome’s Kardiogen, developed for South Asians, that uses just a saliva or blood sample and are now affordable and accessible across India. These tests detect both rare mutations and broader genetic patterns that may put you at risk.
Building a healthier future through genomics
We now need to move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches. Genetic screening tools specifically tailored to the Indian population are critical because they pick up on risk variants that Western tools often miss.
Health departments have a crucial role to play by launching public awareness campaigns about genetic heart risks; integrating genetic screening into regular healthcare, especially in districts where sudden cardiac deaths are increasing, and by collaborating with genomic experts to create local risk registries that consider both genetic and environmental factors.
Sudden cardiac deaths among youth are not rare flukes. They are warning signals. With increasing stress, poor sleep, unhealthy diets, and sedentary lifestyles, we’re putting ourselves at greater risk. But our genes may already have stacked the odds against us.
If you are under 40, especially with a family history of heart disease- or even if you're not, it’s time to ask your doctor about genetic screening for heart health. It could save your life or that of someone you love.
Health