Risk alleles

Risk alleles are variations in genes that can increase the likelihood of developing certain diseases or health conditions. Everyone has a unique set of genes, and some of these variations can make a person more susceptible to illnesses, such as heart disease or diabetes. Identifying risk alleles helps researchers understand genetic influences on health, enabling better prevention strategies and personalized medicine. However, having a risk allele doesn't guarantee a person will get the disease; lifestyle and environmental factors also play significant roles in overall health.