Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that affects the brain, causing a range of symptoms, including memory problems, confusion and difficulties with speech and language. The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are not yet fully understood, although factors such as increasing age and a family history are thought to increase your risk of developing the condition.

Asthma is a common, long-term or chronic lung condition. It is caused when a trigger – such as pollen or smoke – causes the airways to become swollen or inflamed, making them narrower. A build-up of mucus or sputum may also occur. The most common symptoms of asthma are wheezing or breathlessness, a tight chest and coughing. You can develop asthma at any age.

A cardiac arrest is when your heart suddenly stops pumping blood around your body. It is not a heart attack but can be caused by one. There are usually no symptoms, and cardiac arrest often happens without warning. You are at a higher risk of cardiac arrest if you have previously had a heart attack, have congenital heart disease or have an inherited heart condition.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a group of conditions that damage the peripheral nerves which relay sensory information and control muscles. It’s caused by an inherited fault in one of the genes responsible for the development of the body’s peripheral nerves. Symptoms can include muscle weakness in the feet, ankles, legs and hands and an awkward gait. CMT is also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN) or peroneal muscular atrophy (PMA).

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a long-term illness that is characterised by extreme tiredness or fatigue. Our Future health test does not test for CFS/ME. If you would like a test to diagnose CFS/ME, this must be ordered through your healthcare professional. Download this letter and take it along to your appointment.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) or coronary heart disease (CHD) describes the build-up of fatty material in the arteries that supply the heart with blood. This process is called atherosclerosis and can be caused by lifestyle factors and other conditions, including smoking, high cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes. The main symptoms of CAD are chest pain, heart attacks and heart failure. You may also experience breathlessness and heart palpitations.

Crohn’s disease is a condition in which parts of the digestive system become inflamed, causing diarrhoea, stomach aches, cramps, weight loss and fatigue. It’s a lifelong condition and can affect people of all ages. The cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, but a variety of factors may play a role including your genes, a problem with your immune system and smoking.

A heart attack is a serious and life-threatening medical emergency that happens when a blockage in your coronary arteries stops the blood supply to your heart. Most heart attacks are caused by blood clots forming inside the arteries. Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling weak and/or lightheaded and a feeling of anxiety.

See Coronary artery disease.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a long-term condition that causes blood pressure to become elevated (140/90 or higher in adults or 150/90 for those aged 80 or over). There are no specific symptoms for hypertension but, if left untreated, can put a strain on your heart, blood vessels and other organs. Hypertension can increase your risk of heart disease, heart attacks, heart failure and stroke.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans by a bite from an infected tick. It is usually easier to treat when it is diagnosed early. Our Future health test does not test for Lyme disease. If you would like a test to diagnose Lyme disease, this must be ordered through your healthcare professional. Download this letter and take it along to your appointment.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms vary but often include fatigue, difficulty walking, balance and coordination problems, vision problems and numbness or tingling in parts of the body. The symptoms are treatable, but life expectancy is often lower for those diagnosed with MS.

Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens then bones, making them more likely to fracture or break. It can affect anyone but women are at a slightly higher risk of developing osteoporosis than men. A family history of osteoporosis, low BMI, having an eating disorder or drinking and smoking heavily can also increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the lining of the joints, leaving them swollen, stiff and painful. It is a long-term condition that usually affects the hands, feet and wrists. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not clear, but you are at increased risk if there’s a family history of rheumatoid arthritis, you smoke, or you are a woman.

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition that affects the parts of the body that produce fluids. It’s a long-term condition that usually starts in people aged 40 to 60 with symptoms including dry eyes, a dry mouth, dry skin, tiredness and joint pain. The cause of Sjögren’s syndrome is unknown, but it may linked to your genetics or hormone balance.

Biocentaur offers SNPs (pronounced “snips”) genetic tests designed to provide in-depth information about the body’s response to medical treatment. Our Future health test does not include this information. If you would like a test to help guide your medical treatment, this must be ordered through your healthcare professional. Download this letter and take it along to your appointment.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) – or lupus – is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack healthy tissues. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually include joint pain and stiffness, extreme tiredness, skin rashes, weight loss, swollen glands, sensitivity to light and poor circulation. Lupus is usually diagnosed following blood tests.

Type 1 diabetes causes the level of blood sugar (glucose) in blood to become too high. It’s caused when the pancreas stops producing insulin, which controls blood glucose levels. It’s a lifelong condition and its cause is still unknown. Symptoms include urinating a lot, feeling very thirsty, feeling very tired, weight loss and blurred vision. People with Type 1 diabetes need to take daily injections of insulin.

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the levels of blood sugar (glucose) to become too high. It’s caused by problems with a chemical in the body (insulin). People who are overweight, inactive or have a family history are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. Symptoms include feeling very thirsty, feeling very tired, weight loss and blurred vision.