What Is OpenDNA? What Can It Tell You About Your Heart Health?

Have you ever wondered about your potential risks for cardiovascular disease? According to the 2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics report from the American Heart Association, heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for over 100 years.

While you know it’s best to visit your doctor for annual checkups, these routine exams may not always be detailed enough to view your long-term risks, especially if you have a strong family history of heart disease.

This is where OpenDNA helps. OpenDNA is a genetic test that can provide important information about your heart health and potential risks based on your genetics and health information.

So, how does it work? And what can it tell you about your cardiovascular risk?

In this article, we will explain what OpenDNA is, what it is used for, and how it can help you better understand your cardiovascular health.

What is OpenDNA used for? 

OpenDNA is a comprehensive genetic test that analyzes an individual’s DNA to provide information regarding their health and ancestry. Here’s what it provides:

1. Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: It helps determine a patient’s risk of cardiovascular disease by developing a polygenic risk score. This score estimates the genetic risk of heart disease based on a person’s genotype profile and relevant genome-wide association study data.
2. Interactive Educational Tools: OpenDNA’s interactive education tool presents a patient’s heart disease risk score, risk factors, and targeted prevention strategies for improving heart health.
3. Results Analysis: OpenDNA looks at your genomic sequence by analyzing point mutations in your DNA. It then uses artificial intelligence to compare your sequence to those of people with heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension to assess your overall risks.

How is the OpenDNA test administered?

Taking the OpenDNA test is simple and straightforward:

1. Sample Collection: Patients provide a saliva sample using a buccal swab inside the cheek
2. Submission: The physician sends the sample to OpenDNA for extraction and analysis.
3. Results: OpenDNA provides an intuitive dashboard to review your results, which include a polygenic risk score compared to millions of DNA variations and clinical data points for maximum predictive power.

The results also provide risk predictions and treatment recommendations which your physician will help explain ways to intervene. Results typically take about a week to be returned.

Who is a good fit for the OpenDNA test?

Different groups of people may or may not benefit from the OpenDNA test. Here are three groups of people who would be a good fit.

1. Individuals Under 40: Traditional risk calculations may not show actual risks if you’re under 40. OpenDNA can provide a more detailed look at future risks.
2. Individuals Over 40 Who Are Low Risk: Those who want to learn more about their health can use this test to identify potential risks that traditional methods might miss.
3. Individuals Over 40 Who Are Considering Medication: OpenDNA can help determine if medications and additional steps are necessary to control cholesterol and other cardiovascular problems.

Who isn’t a good fit for the OpenDNA test?

Individuals with established cardiovascular disease. For those with a known history of cardiovascular disease, OpenDNA may not add much new information and may not be a fit for them.

How do you get started with the OpenDNA test?

To take the OpenDNA test, start by talking to your doctor.

At PartnerMD, our commitment to early detection, prevention, and longevity means that our physicians are well-equipped to help determine if OpenDNA is right for you.

You not only have access to advanced clinical testing like OpenDNA to dive deep into your health, but with on-staff health coaches and our online wellness platform, Wellness University, you also have the resources to act on the results.

If you’re not a member of PartnerMD, consult with your healthcare provider to see if they offer OpenDNA. They will explain what the test consists of and its potential benefits and help you decide if it suits your needs.

Want to learn more about membership at PartnerMD? Click here and complete the form. One of our membership experts will reach out soon to answer all your questions.