Lifestyle & Heredity: Genetic Test Helps Individuals Evaluate and Reduce Blood Clot Risk

In response to recent headlines about a newly released study showing that hormone replacement therapy doubles womens chances of developing dangerous blood clots, San Francisco-based DNA Direct is working to get the word out about a condition that compounds this risk six-fold: a genetic disorder called factor V Leiden.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (PRWEB) October 30, 2004 -- Following recent headlines about a newly released study showing that hormone replacement therapy doubles womens chances of developing dangerous blood clots, one company is working to get the word out about a condition that compounds this risk six-fold: a genetic disorder called factor V Leiden.

We absolutely agree with the findings released by Womens Health Initiative, but there is still a tremendous amount of education needed around the genetic causes of venous thrombosis (also known as thrombophilia)," said Katherine Rauen, M.D., Ph.D., and Medical Director for DNA Direct, a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company. An estimated one in four people who get a life-threatening blood clot have an inherited blood clotting disorder called factor V Leiden. Women who have a family history of blood clots should strongly consider being tested -- particularly if they are considering hormone replacement or birth control pills, but also because there are a number of other lifestyle choices that can greatly minimize the risk of venous thrombosis. Genes are not your destiny, but they are an invaluable guide to making informed choices."

According to DNA Direct, 1 in 20 Americans carry the gene factor V Leiden, which can trigger dangerous blood clots, such as DVT (=deep vein thrombosis) or PE (=pulmonary embolism). This condition is further exacerbated by medical choices, such as hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills, as well as lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking. Studies estimate between 60,000 to 200,000 people die each year from blood clots -- at the high end, this disease kills more people than breast cancer, car accidents and AIDS combined.

Stephan Moll, M.D., of the University of North Carolina Thrombophilia Program at Chapel Hill, concurs with Dr. Rauen. Your genetic make-up can significantly increase your chances of developing venous thrombosis, but knowledge can help you take steps to reduce this risk. It is a highly actionable and preventable condition."

To make this form of testing more widely available, DNA Direct has developed a direct-to-consumer channel that enables individuals to take a genetic test for inherited blood clot disorders, also called thrombophilia. The simple and painless test is easy to administer at home -- the individual simply collects a sample of cells using a provided cheek swab, which is then mailed in for evaluation by a laboratory. Following the evaluation, a personal, confidential and comprehensive report is provided to the individual, and board-certified genetic counselors are available by phone to answer questions. The price for the test is $380 -- and the company offers a free risk assessment to help you decide if testing is right for you. Tests can be ordered by calling 877.646.0222 or going to www.dnadirect.com.

At DNA Direct, we believe that testing is about empowerment - your body and your health are ultimately your responsibility, and your genes offer tremendous insight into personal, medical and lifestyle choices," said Ryan Phelan, a veteran consumer health advocate and Founder & CEO of DNA Direct. Genes are a valuable part of the equation, and they must be interpreted in context and in privacy. We have set up a unique service that does just that -- while providing individuals with knowledge and insight to take control of their personal health."

About DNA Direct
San Francisco-based DNA Direct is a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company focused on education, empowerment and support. With a promise of providing Your Genes in Context," DNA Directs mission is to empower individuals with insight into their genetic make-up, including risk factors, preventive measures and action-oriented information to reduce personal risk, coupled with one-on-one support from DNA Directs genetic counselors. All of DNA Directs services are completely confidential. For more information, go to www.dnadirect.com or call 877.646.0222

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