Genomics identifies increased levels of undetected risk of heart disease in UK population

Genomics has published groundbreaking research revealing that 8% of the UK's adult population carries a polygenic risk for heart disease equivalent to that of carriers of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH). This polygenic group, previously undetected by the NHS, accounts for a significant portion of early heart disease cases—18 times more than those caused by FH. 

Through simple genetic testing, these high-risk individuals can now be identified, allowing for timely interventions like cholesterol-lowering medications, which have been shown to be particularly effective in this group.

The study, published in PLOS ONE, highlights the superiority of Genomics' polygenic risk scores (PRS) compared to competitors in identifying risk for multiple diseases and traits. These scores, which have been utilized in over 80 research studies, represent a major advancement in preventive healthcare. By identifying genetic risks early, PRS technology can help reduce the healthcare burden by focusing on prevention and targeted treatment​​.