Heart health could be at risk for Lynden residents of Dutch ancestry. This is why
The Dutch ancestry of many Lynden residents has drawn the attention of university researchers raising awareness of a gene mutation that could impact heart health.
Lucy Borkowski is spreading awareness about the gene mutation while working as a summer researcher. She’s a student at Dordt University, a private university in Iowa.
Lynden’s one of many communities across the U.S. she’s reaching out to. Her aim is to inform residents in areas with populations of high Dutch ancestry about the possible genetic mutation. The work has had her reach out to communities from Michigan to California.
“There’s a small number of people that have a genetic mutation and never know they have it, which can be potentially dangerous because they can pass it on to their children,” she said in a telephone interview.
Lynden has a rich history of Dutch immigration to the area, a culture that has shaped local business and daily life.
The mutation is about 700 years old but has only recently been discovered. A team of geneticists from the Netherlands discovered the mutation and traced it back to its origins in Friesland, Netherlands. The mutation affects those of Dutch ancestry.
The mutation occurs with the PLN, or phospholamban, gene. Ultimately, the PLN gene regulates the muscle of the heart, with dysfunction of the gene resulting in possibly fatal consequences.
Borkowski said that other symptoms could include high heart rate, heart palpitations, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. However, some people can experience sudden cardiac death.
It’s hard to know if you have PLN as symptoms differ, she said.
Although, Borkowski said, there are ways to find out if someone has the PLN gene mutation.
The first step is to look at family history for cardiac conditions. Because the PLN gene mutation can be passed down, an extensive medical history could be a clue to finding out risk.
“If each generation is having at least one person affected by some cardiac-related condition, like dying from a heart failure or heart attack, that’s a good indication that you could be affected by the PLN genetic mutation,” she said.
A genetic counselor can look deeper into a family history and help decide if genetic testing is needed.
As of now, there is no way for the PLN genetic mutation to be fixed. However, Borkowski said there are currently scientific trials that could make a reversal of the mutation possible in the future.
“People are wondering why should they receive genetic testing if they can’t do anything about it?” she said. “Well, I would tell you, you can receive treatment to help mitigate the risks and symptoms of it, but also, you’re first in line to receive the cure.”
A healthy lifestyle is the best way to reduce the risk of serious illness for someone with the PLN gene mutation, Borkowski said. An increase in diet and exercise while reducing caffeine, alcohol and smoking can all increase longevity.
Borkowski said that there could be as many as 25,000 people in the U.S. with the mutation, with only 800 so far discovered.
“There’s quite a big gap. There are people that haven’t been tested that probably have it,” she said.
This story was originally published June 28, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
