2006 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript
This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2006. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.
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Can heart disease be passed down to a younger sibling?
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Ashley Weedn, M.D.: If an older sibling has a heart defect, then yes, a younger sibling is at an increased risk for being born with heart problems.
If the parents have heart disease, then that increases the risk for the children to have heart disease - however genetics is just one factor. Behaviors also play a role - eating healthy and exercising are important components of preventing heart disease. |
| Shivan Friesen, Santa Maria, CA |
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