Private MD News

Five genetic variations may increase cardiovascular risk

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Cholesterol testing is one of the most important tools for assessing an individual's risk of developing cardiovascular disease and experiencing a heart attack. However, it may soon become possible for medical professionals test patients' DNA to check for heart risks.

Researchers from Oxford University identified five genetic variations that significantly increase an individual's risk of developing cardiovascular disease and suffering a heart attack. Based on the new knowledge, the team said it may soon be possible to create new tests and treatments for the conditions.

For the study, researchers examined the genetic material of 15,596 individuals who either had heart disease or experienced a cardiovascular event, and compared the results to the DNA of 34,992 individuals with normal heart health.

The results showed that many of the individuals who suffered from poor heart health had five specific genetic variations that were absent in the majority of healthy participants.

"Although the effects of the new genetic variants that we have identified are individually small, in the order of 5 to10 percent per copy, new treatments that are developed on the basis of the findings could have a much broader effect," said Hugh Watkins, who led the study.