The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and we can inherit many physical traits from our parents — as well as diseases. From each parent, we "pick up" two copies of every gene, and mutations in certain genes are the main trigger for hereditary diseases.
First on the list is high cholesterol, for which we can entirely “blame” the family, says American geneticist Shivani Nazareth.
“One in 500 people has a genetic mutation that causes familial hypercholesterolemia — an inherited heart disease that can lead to premature heart attacks or strokes,” Nazareth reveals, adding that those suffering from familial hypercholesterolemia cannot regulate their cholesterol, which then accumulates in the veins – reports the portal Biti roditelj.
Not even strict diets or physical activity can help, because in this case, genes have already done their part, says Nazareth.
And while both parents can be responsible for high cholesterol, breast cancer can be inherited from the father.
Namely, every person is born with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are harmless until they mutate. However, women who inherit a mutation in one or both BRCA genes from their father have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Dr. Nazareth explains that these genes are not dangerous for men’s health since breast cancer is rare among men, but the same cannot be said for women.
If you’re blaming the men in your family for hair loss — you’re looking in the wrong direction. The gene that plays a key role in baldness is located on the X chromosome, which men always inherit from their mothers, while women inherit the same gene from both parents.
Type 2 diabetes is most commonly linked to an unhealthy lifestyle, but research shows that as many as five percent of young people show signs of this disease despite not being overweight and exercising regularly.
Here too, the issue is a genetic mutation — a form of diabetes scientists have called MODY.
Early detection of patients with the MODY subtype of diabetes is very important, as they require different treatment that can control the disease for years without complications, says Dr. Nazareth.
But lifelong complications arise with lactose intolerance.
Congenital lactose intolerance is a rare condition caused by a mutation in the gene that produces the enzyme lactase. It manifests as severe watery diarrhea occurring soon after the first milk feeding (breastfeeding).
Nutrient loss is significant, meaning the newborn does not gain weight, and dehydration, hypoglycemia, and acidosis can develop.
Once a lactose-free diet is introduced, diarrhea stops, the child gains weight, and growth and development normalize.
This condition is lifelong and requires a permanent lactose-free diet.
Congenital lactose intolerance is rare, but 65 percent of adults have experienced digestive issues after consuming dairy, says Nazareth, adding that lactose sensitivity decreases with age in most people.
The family tree plays a major role in hereditary disease risk, warns Nazareth. You can record all the diseases affecting your immediate and extended family to identify genetic predispositions for certain conditions.
However, some diseases can remain “hidden” for several generations, making them undetectable through this method, writes 24sata.
Chronic Headaches Are Also Hereditary
The tendency for long-lasting and severe headaches accompanied by nausea is hereditary in 70 to 80 percent of cases, claims Dr. Kate Henry from New York University. Scientists have discovered that a gene called TRESK causes migraines, and it is often inherited from parents.
We Inherit Heart Disease from Our Mothers
If your mother had heart problems, you are 20 percent more likely to have them too, revealed four separate scientific studies. The way a mother’s heart attack affects our risk is not fully understood, but it is clear, experts say.
Mental Illnesses Can Also Be Inherited
There is about a 10 percent chance of inheriting a predisposition for depression, according to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health. Experts explain that depression is just one of several mental disorders that can be inherited, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
