GENOMICS BY THE NUMBERS – 3 TESTS THAT PREDICT YOUR LIFESPAN

...and that your doctor hasn't heard about

1. TELOMERE LENGTH

   DNA caps on the tips of chromosomes are called telomeres and they shorten with normal aging but also prematurely with poor lifestyles, obesity, smoking etc. Telomere length is now considered the best predictor of your future longevity. If you are 35 but have the telomeres of a 50 year old you are in trouble BUT the good news is that steps can be taken to lengthen them.

2. APO – E TYPE

   ApoLipoprotein E is critical in cholesterol transport. 3 genotypes have dramatically different impacts on risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s and other chronic illnesses. Those with the E2 variant are protected from these conditions and often have long lifespans. Those with E4s, especially two copies have up to an 8-fold increased risk. E3s are at average risk. Interventions, including medications and lifestyle can improve the outcome of E4 carriers.

3. 9p21 MUTATION

   If present, this SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism or one DNA “letter” variation) increases the risk of heart disease up to two fold.