Analysis of polygenic risk scores across 35 health conditions in large population datasets reveals that genetic predisposition to certain diseases correlates with mortality in counterintuitive ways. While some high-risk scores for conditions like cardiovascular disease align predictably with increased death rates, others show paradoxical protective effects or no association at all. This comprehensive genetic analysis challenges assumptions about how inherited disease risk translates to actual lifespan outcomes. The findings underscore the complexity of gene-environment interactions and suggest that polygenic scores, while valuable for individual risk assessment, may not uniformly predict mortality across all conditions. For health-conscious adults, this research indicates that genetic testing results should be interpreted within broader lifestyle and environmental contexts rather than as deterministic fate. The work also highlights gaps in our understanding of how genetic variants identified in predominantly European populations apply to diverse ancestry groups. As polygenic scores become more accessible through consumer testing, this analysis provides crucial perspective on their limitations and appropriate clinical application in longevity planning.
Genetic Risk Scores Reveal Unexpected Mortality Patterns Across 35 Traits
📄 Based on research published in eLife
Read the original research →For informational, non-clinical use. Synthesized analysis of published research — may contain errors. Not medical advice. Consult original sources and your physician.