Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be the leading cause of mortality globally and in Mexico. Heart attacks, strokes, and related events often occur without warning; for many, the first sign is the event itself. However, most of these outcomes are preventable through early detection and personalized care. Advances in genetics, functional medicine, and lifestyle science give us tools to act before damage is done, making health assurance a realistic goal.

What Genetic Testing Reveals: Beyond Risk, Toward Action

A cardiovascular genetic test analyzes dozens — or even hundreds — of genes associated with heart health. In practice, reports provide information in three main areas:

Lifestyle & Metabolic Risk:

Influences on cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism.

Predisposition to insulin resistance, impaired glucose regulation.

Genetic markers tied to inflammation, which underlies atherosclerosis and stroke risk.

Diagnostic Clarity for Hereditary Conditions

Variants associated with arrhythmias, hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy, and familial hypercholesterolemia.

Identification of risks for sudden cardiac death syndromes (for example, long-QT syndrome, Brugada).

Pharmacogenetics (Medication Response)

Classification as poor, intermediate, extensive or ultra-rapid metabolizers of key cardiovascular drugs (statins, beta-blockers, anticoagulants, among others).

Guides drug choice and dosing to maximize benefit and minimize adverse effects.

Facts: What Percentage of Cardiovascular Disease Is Preventable?

Here are some up-to-date, evidence-based figures showing how much we can reduce cardiovascular risk through lifestyle and genetic-informed prevention:

  • The World Heart Federation estimates that around 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable through healthy diet, physical activity, avoiding tobacco, and controlling other modifiable risk factors.
  • A recent meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies found that in the general population, people who follow the healthiest combination of lifestyle behaviors reduce their risk of developing CVD by about 58%, and reduce mortality from CVD by ≈ 55%. Among people who already have CVD, those who adhere to healthy lifestyle behaviors reduce risk of recurrence by ~62% and reduce all-cause mortality by ~67%.
  • Regarding genetic information: In a pilot study integrating polygenic risk scores (PRS) with standard cardiovascular risk tools, adding genetic data led to clinically significant changes in CVD risk classification in about 24% of participants. This means in nearly a quarter of individuals, the genetic information changed how their risk would be managed.

These numbers show that lifestyle remains the strongest lever, but genetics adds incremental precision, identifying those who may benefit from earlier, more intensive prevention.

How a Genetic Test Speaks to Different Audiences

A report based on cardiovascular genetic testing delivers value for different stakeholders:

For cardiologists and geneticists:
Detailed annotations of gene variants, clinical significance, inheritance patterns, and literature evidence. Allows for informed decision-making, whether to initiate more aggressive lifestyle interventions, closer monitoring, family screening, or even prophylactic therapies.

For patients:
Clear, digestible insights: “Your profile suggests elevated risk for high LDL cholesterol and insulin resistance. These risks are modifiable with diet, exercise, supplements, and monitoring.” This helps patients take ownership without being overwhelmed.

For both:
The report becomes a shared roadmap. Clinicians see technical detail; patients see actionable steps. Genetics becomes not just data, but a powerful motivator.

Supplements and Lifestyle: Evidence-Based Adjuncts

While lifestyle and genetics are foundation, supplements chosen with care can help address gaps or genetic vulnerabilities:

  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) in bioavailable form to help modulate triglycerides and inflammation.
  • Magnesium (citrate or glycinate) for vascular health and blood pressure.
  • Active folate (for example, 5-MTHF) for those with metabolic or genetic impairments in folate processing.
  • Polyphenols (resveratrol, catechins) as antioxidant / anti-inflammatory support.

These are not substitutes but complements, especially when genetic risk suggests specific pathways to target.

Health Assurance: Taking Control of Our Health

The traditional model treats disease after it occurs. Health assurance asks: How can we prevent disease before it begins, especially stroke, heart attack, or sudden cardiac death?

Through tools like cardioADN, we can:

  • Identify high-risk individuals earlier than conventional screening alone.
  • Tailor interventions — diet, movement, supplements, medication — based on a person’s genetics, biomarkers, and lifestyle.
  • Monitor over time, adjusting plans as biology and circumstances evolve.

If we can prevent even half of cases in high risk populations, reduce mortality by 50% or more among those who follow rigorous prevention, then the investment in genetic testing and prevention yields not only longer life, but also more lives lived with quality.