Myths vs facts: Cardio Risk Check | Herz-Kreislauf Risiko-Test and Schlaf

The link between sleep and cardiovascular risk is well established: short sleep (<6 h), sleep disorders (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea), and irregular sleep patterns increase the risk of hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. However, a direct-to-consumer DNA test for 'sleep and heart' (e.g., on CLOCK, PER, or CRY genes) cannot replace a clinical risk assessment. The effect sizes of such genes are typically small, and lifestyle factors (exercise, diet, stress) dominate. MyHeart does not offer a specific 'Cardio Risk Check'; existing modules (e.g., APOE, VDR) provide hints at genetic predispositions but no clinical diagnosis. Myth: A DNA test alone tells you if you will get heart disease. Fact: Sleep quality and duration are strong, modifiable risk factors better assessed by questionnaires and possibly sleep studies than by DNA. Evidence for sleep-related SNPs is moderate and often not replicated. Responsible use: treat test results as a prompt for lifestyle change, not as a medical verdict.