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A study of twins and stroke.
L M Brass1, J L Isaacsohn, K R Merikangas
1Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. 06510.
Stroke
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Genetic factors play a significant role in stroke development. This study found a nearly fivefold higher stroke prevalence in identical twins, suggesting heritable influences on stroke etiology.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Coronary artery disease has known genetic links.
- Heritable influences on stroke are less understood.
- Few studies have explored genetic contributions to stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of genetic factors in stroke.
- Examine heritability of stroke using twin data.
- Identify genetic and environmental influences on stroke.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council Twin Registry.
- Analyzed data from 9,475 male twins (born 1917-1927) responding to a 1985 questionnaire.
- Assessed vascular risk factors, cardiac events, and stroke history.
Main Results:
- Identical (monozygotic) twin pairs showed a 17.7% stroke concordance rate.
- Fraternal (dizygotic) twin pairs showed a 3.6% stroke concordance rate.
- Identical twins had a 4.3 times higher relative risk of stroke compared to fraternal twins (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- A nearly fivefold increased stroke prevalence in identical twins suggests significant genetic involvement in stroke etiology.
- The twin study design is a promising approach for dissecting genetic and environmental factors in stroke.
- Findings support the hypothesis that genetic predisposition contributes to stroke development.