Are genetic diseases congenital? Many studies have pointed out that genes likely play some role in cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancers, while high blood pressure and high cholesterol can also be hereditary. Check out the high-risk genetic diseases and the prevention methods now.
1. Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in Hong Kong. According to the International Diabetes Federation, the number of people aged 20 to 79 in Hong Kong has diabetes as high as 12.2% in 2019. As type 2 diabetes is highly hereditary, if both parents have diabetes, the risk factor will jump to about 70%, and it may lead to cataracts, glaucoma, and even heart disease, stroke, kidney failureand other serious diseases.
Ways to Prevent Diabetes
You may lower the diabetes risk by improving your diet and lifestyle habits.
- Reduce the intake of refined carbs
- Reduce the intake of sugar
- Quit smoking and cut down on alcohol
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
2. Cancers
According to the latest statistics from the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society, there were around 18 million new cases and 9.5 million deaths found all over the world in 2018. As a disease caused by genetic mutation, cancers can also be divided into two types: congenital inheritance and acquired environment.Dr. Lam Tak Sum Steven, the Director of Clinical Genetics Service, said that about 10% of cancer cases are related to hereditary cancer-causing genes, while gastric cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer are the most common cases.
Ways to Prevent Cancers
If you have a family history of cancers, you may have a higher risk for cancers too, therefore, you are advised to improve your living habits and have screenings more regularly.
- Consume foods that are rich in fiber
- Reduce the intake of red meat and processed meat
- Quit smoking and cut down on alcohol
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get regular cancer screening
- Get regular check-ups such as gastroscopy and colonoscopy
3. High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure (hypertension) is a kind of genetic disease. According to data from the Center for Health Protection, about 90% of patients with hypertension are “primary hypertension”, and it is probably related to hereditary factors. Hypertension is a risk factor for many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. It may also cause fundus disease, stroke, arteriosclerosis, angina, heart failure, myocardial infarction, uremia, renal failure and other complications over time.
Ways to Prevent High Blood Pressure
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential to prevent and control high blood pressure.
- Monitor your blood pressure and get health screenings
- Reduce dietary sodium and consume fruits and vegetables that are rich in potassium
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking and cut down on alcohol
- Get enough sleep
- Stay positive
4. High Cholesterol
Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disease caused by high levels of cholesterol in the blood, and it appears in approximately 1 in 250 individuals.Dr. Lee Chun Hong, Specialist in Endocrinology and Diabetes, also pointed out that the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia is 10 times higher than that of the average person. As the concentration of bad cholesterol in the blood continues to rise, the fatty plaque deposits inside the blood vessels will cause them to narrow and block the blood vessels, which may lead to premature coronary heart disease and stroke.
Ways to Prevent High Cholesterol
Cholesterol can be divided into two types: good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Controlling the intake of bad cholesterol can help prevent high cholesterol.
- Reduce the intake of saturated fat and trans fat
- Consume foods that are rich in fiber
- Quit smoking and cut down on alcohol
- Maintain a healthy weigh
- Exercise regularly
In fact, genetic testing and health screening are more effective for early detection of potential health hazards. Cigna DIY Health Plan enables you to freely choose from various protection benefits to customise your plan to your individual needs, including dental coverage, regular oral check-up, treatment cost and emergency. Tailor your health coverage now.