Heart DNA Test

About the Heart DNA Test

The Heart DNA Test is an at home genetic test that looks at your inherited predisposition to a range of cardiovascular conditions, at how your body handles cholesterol and triglycerides, and at how you are likely to respond to a number of common heart medicines. It uses a cheek swab and the results come back as a written report in your secure account.

How it works

The laboratory reads a defined set of genetic variants associated in published research with cardiovascular risk, lipid metabolism and drug response. Each finding is reported with an explanation of what the variant is linked to, what your own result was, and what it may mean in practice. The medication section is pharmacogenetics: variations in the enzymes that process a drug can affect how well it works for an individual, which is information a clinician may find useful.

How to use it

Order the kit online and it arrives by post. Collect the sample with the cheek swab provided, register the kit using the code in the box, and return it in the prepaid envelope. You are emailed when the report is ready. Many people download it and take it to their GP, particularly where there is a family history of heart disease.

What the test measures

Cardiac genetic risk towards atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, peripheral arterial disease, sickle cell anaemia and type III hyperlipoproteinemia. Genetic propensity for metabolising triglycerides and HDL and LDL cholesterol. Innate body response to perindopril metabolism, beta blocker sensitivity and metabolism, verapamil metabolism, verapamil compared with atenolol, beta blockers and left ventricular ejection fraction response, warfarin sensitivity, clopidogrel metabolism and statin induced myopathy. Genetic risk for developing blood clots, covering venous thrombosis and homocysteine and oestrogen supplement risk. Sample collection is by cheek swab.

Who it is for

It is for adults who want to understand their inherited cardiovascular picture, often where heart disease runs in the family. It is not suitable for anyone under 18.

Safety and when to get advice

This is a predisposition test, not a diagnosis. A higher genetic risk does not mean you will develop a condition and a lower one does not mean you will not, because blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, weight, activity and family history all matter alongside genetics. Never start, stop or change a prescribed medicine based on this report; take it to your clinician instead. Seek emergency help for chest pain, sudden breathlessness or symptoms of stroke. Our UK pharmacy team can answer questions about this product before you buy.

Common questions

Can I change my medication based on this?
No. Discuss the report with your clinician, who decides on any medicine changes.

Is a blood sample needed?
No. The kit uses a cheek swab you collect at home.

Should I share it with my GP?
The report downloads as a file you can bring to an appointment, which is often the most useful thing to do with it.

Your sample and data are handled by our UK based team under UK data protection rules.