[Genetic predisposition to cardiovascular diseases]

The development of cardiovascular system disorders depends on both environmental and genetic factors. Precise mechanism by which genetic factors may promote atherosclerotic lesion formation is still under investigation. From multiple candidate genes for cardiovascular disorders the special attention should be paid to that which control synthesis of molecules involved in atherosclerosis process. For now lots of experiments have been done to test specific genes speculated to be crucial for the onset and progression of atherosclerosis, including genes of lipoprotein metabolism, coagulation and fibrinolysis system, renin-angiotensin system and substances influencing the metabolism of arterial wall. Many of them showed the association between tested polymorphisms and pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.