Title: 6 Most Common Hereditary Diseases | Hereditary vs. Genetic Disorders
Headings: 6 Most Common Hereditary Diseases
6 Most Common Hereditary Diseases
About The Author
Susan Fishman

Content: But while a genetic disease is also the result of a gene mutation, it may or may not be hereditary. These mutations occur either randomly or due to an environmental factor. They are not passed down from parent to child, as is the case with a hereditary disease. 1
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is a hereditary disease caused by mutations in one of the genes that encode the hemoglobin protein. Red blood cells with the abnormal hemoglobin protein take on a sickle shape. The disease leads to chronic anemia and significant damage to the heart, lungs and kidneys. Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States, affecting around 100,000 Americans, most commonly in African Americans. There is a 25% chance that a child will be born with sickle cell disease if both parents have the defective gene. If a child inherits only one copy of the defective gene (from either parent), typically he or she won’t get the disease, but there is a 50% chance that the child will carry the sickle cell trait. 2
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by a gene mutation that affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive juices.