article_snippet: It’s done by mapping your genome, that unique sequence of 23 pairs of chromosomes that make up your DNA, pinpointing the mutations that determine if you’re likely to go gracefully or whether you’re likely to develop the kind of disease that’s a living death.
article_snippet: Then, at the beginning of the year, I was sent an email which said my ‘health overview’ was available on the company’s website.
article_snippet: With one click I would have a glimpse of how my life might end — or face terrifying decisions about preventative surgery. '
article_snippet: The results are split into two sections: first are the innocuous ones, then you can click on another button for your genetic risk factors.
article_snippet: I checked out the first category and discovered that I carry the genotypes that make me likely to have brown eyes (tick), unlikely to be a world-class sprinter (tick), and that I am more susceptible to caffeine than most people (that’s true, an espresso makes my heart race).
article_snippet: But then there came the health hazards section containing the information that can tell you what you are likely to die of.
article_snippet: My heart was racing as I clicked on the ‘genetic risks’ button.