Since oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy is inherited, your risk may be increased by certain genetic factors. The exact pattern of inheritance for oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy varies depending on which of the two types of the disease you have. In most cases, if one or both of your parents have oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy - or in some cases, if they are simply carriers of the mutation causing oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy - then your risk is greatly increased. Ethnic background may also affect your risk for the disease. Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy seems to be more common among people of French-Canadian or Hispanic heritage, so individuals with those ethnicities are at a greater risk.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.