Heart Medications

Dr. Ahmed Merghani

Heart Medications: One Size Does Not Fit All

Physicians have employed a ‘one size fits all policy’ when prescribing medications. However this the notion is being challenged by the evolution of genetics whereby efficacy and side effects of the particular drug can be characterised to each individual. This ‘tailor-made’ approach has the potential to revolutionise healthcare.

What is Personalised Medicine?

Every DNA is unique and decoding this message can uncover essential traits which influence the health of the individual and how they respond to certain medication. The field of personalised medicine is at the forefront of healthcare interest, yet this promising medical sector was non-existent beyond 20 years ago.

No More ‘One Size Fits All’

Personalised drug therapy is a move away from a ‘one size fits all’ approach to the treatment and care of patients with different heart conditions. Personalised medicine not only involves traditional factors such age, blood pressure, smoking status, cholesterol levels but also aims to identify certain genetic traits, or ‘biomarkers’, which determine how an individual will respond to specific drugs.

Tavid Westerhoff-Mason

Genetic Influence on Beta-Blocker Therapy

Beta blockers are medications that reduce blood pressure and work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine. Beta-blockers have grown in influence since their properties were first discovered in 1958. Research into their receptor pathway has shown how certain genetic factors can have a tremendous influence on beta-blocker pharmacodynamics.

Tavid Westerhoff-Mason

Personalised Medicine is Ready for Practice

DNA Testing for specific genetic mutations was often time-consuming and specific to the suspected diagnosis. However, new methods are changing that and with advances in technology, it is becoming possible to use unique information from our genes to tailor treatments for individuals. Learn about the current state of art in clinical genomics.

Tavid Westerhoff-Mason

10 Reasons to Get a DNA Test

November 20, 2019

Genetic testing has been the dream of scientists since DNA was first discovered. However, that dream has only just become a reality. For the first time, treatments can be personalised based on a genetic profile. This is the current frontier of medical science. But if you are wondering why someone takes a DNA test? or maybe asking yourself should I get a DNA test? Find your reason here!