Hereditary conditions cause anxiety among parents or parents-to-be. Even those without children look at their parent’s health with concern, worried that they may see a condition they should watch out for. As modern medicine improves, many people seek to understand what conditions they are more likely to have due to inheritance and what conditions they may pass onto their own children. Some hereditary conditions don’t show up until late in life, while others are present at birth. These conditions don’t need to cause anxiety; not all hereditary conditions are life-threatening. Staying informed about your family history, however, is always important. Be aware of these hereditary conditions when thinking about your own health.
Color Blindness
Color blindness causes a difference or decrease in color vision. Color blindness is also genetic. It affects men more than women because the color blindness gene is found on the X chromosome. Since men only have one X chromosome, there isn’t another chromosome to make up the difference in case of the color blindness gene. So if you have sons and their father is color blind, be aware that there is a very good chance these boys will also be colorblind. That's not to say that you shouldn't look for it in your daughters, is is just more common in males.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is the inability to properly digest milk products and can be a difficult condition to deal with due to the fact that it requires you to pay close attention to your diet. Lactose intolerance affects populations without a historical record of having milk in their diet. Since Northern Europeans relied on lactose foods, most people of Northern European descent are not lactose intolerant. These patterns exist because lactose intolerance is a hereditary condition. The upside to having a condition like Lactose intolerance is that it is fairly easy to diagnose, and once you know that you have it, you know what foods to avoid and don't have to feel sick after every meal you eat. Once you know you have the condition, you can adjust and live a healthy (dairy-free) life.
Bunions
Bunions are fairly common among older adults. When the joint of the big toe pushes away from the other toes, a painful bump forms. Some people are more likely to suffer from bunions than others, because bunions are a hereditary condition. During a recent bunion study in Utah , medical professionals found that if your grandparents or parents suffer from bunions, you’re more likely to find yourself with this painful foot condition. These Utah Clinical trial organizations suggested that adults that have bunions always make sure their children wear comfortable shoes that fit properly, as this is one way to prevent bunions from developing.
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease or sickle cell anemia is a serious condition that affects the shape and health of red blood cells. Sickle cell disease is hereditary and found more commonly among those with African descent. Genetic testing can inform people if they are carriers, allowing them to decide whether or not to have children.
Heart Disease
Heart disease refers to more than one type of heart condition, and some of these are hereditary. For example, arrhythmias, which affect the heart’s beat, causing it to be irregular, too fast or too slow are sometimes hereditary conditions. Many heart conditions are genetic, and if your family has a history of heart disease, note this in your medical records because this could be important information for your doctor to know.
Knowing of the potential to pass on or inherit conditions is frightening, but it can also be empowering. By becoming aware of what conditions to look out for, you can exercise control over your health and future.