He sees a trip to the doctor in the future combining an interview and full body scans with one's genetic profile taken from information found in that drop of blood to predict susceptibility to heart attack or stroke.

Being armed with your genetic profile doesn't mean the answer will be gene therapy. It will instead reinforce the importance of lifestyle choices. "No matter what all this high-tech stuff reveals," says Dr. Hegele "the answers are that simple for most people."

Dr. Robert Hegele will speak at the opening ceremonies of the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in Edmonton this Sunday. Co-hosted by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, it is Canada's largest scientific conference, attracting over 3,500 heart-health professionals from across the country.

Attendees representing 19 different organizations, including surgeons, pediatric specialists, cardiologists, nurses, rehab professionals, and others learn about the latest science and cutting-edge research, and take it back to their patients. The congress runs from October 24 to 28.

Statements and conclusions of study authors are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect Foundation or CCS policy or position. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society make no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability.

Source: HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF CANADA