The genetics of cerebrovascular atherosclerosis

Ischemic stroke attributable to atherosclerosis remains a major public health problem. Genetic factors are increasingly recognized as influencing risk for atherosclerosis directly and indirectly. Genetic makeup may influence the development of major vascular risk factors or alter susceptibility of the cerebral vasculature to these risk factors. More recently, newly identified risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as plasma homocysteine and infection, have also been reported to be influenced by important genetic determinants. This article reviews the current nature on genetics of cerebral and precerebral atherosclerosis and seeks to identify areas of promise for future clinical application.