The genetic factor of a disease or personal trait is the genetic component that regulates said trait or pathology. It refers to the genetic variants known to have a direct effect on the risk or vulnerability to developing a disease or exhibiting a specific trait. Through the DNA test, each person may present genetic variants that determine their genetic risk. However, this risk is not absolute, as the environmental factor also plays a crucial role.
The environmental factor encompasses all aspects related to lifestyle, such as eating habits, substance consumption, pollution, stress, and other external factors. These factors have a great impact on the development of complex diseases and, in many cases, can be even more decisive than genetics. Due to this interaction between genetics and the environment, the risk for certain diseases is considered a vulnerability rather than a certainty. Therefore, in many cases, lifestyle changes are recommended to prevent the onset of diseases or control their severity.