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Author Spotlight: A Pharmacodissection Approach to Uncover Mechanisms in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Populations
Published on: July 21, 2023
The Genetics of Cardiovascular Disease in Canadian and International Aboriginal Populations
Laura Arbour1, Sirisha Asuri2, Beatrixe Whittome2
1Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Divisions of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Insights
Understanding the genetics of cardiovascular disease in Indigenous populations is crucial for tailored prevention and treatment. Research highlights distinct genetic factors influencing heart conditions in these groups.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Genetics
- Indigenous Health Research
- Population Genetics
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally.
- Indigenous populations exhibit unique genetic and cultural characteristics, potentially influencing CVD susceptibility and presentation.
- Understanding genetic factors in CVD is vital for effective public health strategies in all populations, including Indigenous communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the genetics of cardiovascular disease in Indigenous populations worldwide.
- To identify specific genetic predispositions to conditions like congenital heart defects and arrhythmias in these groups.
- To highlight research gaps and advocate for collaborative research practices.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on cardiovascular disease genetics in Indigenous populations.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on CVD prevalence and types in Canadian, American, Circumpolar, and other Indigenous groups.
- Synthesis of findings to identify commonalities and differences in genetic susceptibility.
Main Results:
- Higher rates of congenital heart malformations and congenital long QT syndrome observed in some Canadian First Nations and Inuit populations.
- While historically lower, ischemic heart disease rates are now comparable or higher in Indigenous populations compared to non-Indigenous groups.
- Significant disparities exist in research participation, with few Indigenous communities involved in genetic CVD studies.
Conclusions:
- Genetics plays a significant role in cardiovascular disease susceptibility across all populations, including Indigenous groups.
- Distinct genetic factors may contribute to the observed differences in CVD rates and types in Indigenous communities.
- Further collaborative research is essential to bridge knowledge gaps and inform culturally appropriate CVD prevention and treatment strategies.
Abstract:
For Aboriginal populations, as in all populations, understanding the genetic component of cardiovascular disease informs effective treatment and prevention strategies. The term, "genetics of cardiovascular disease," broadly includes the genetics of susceptibility for atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, and congenital heart disease, collectively a major cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the life course. Aboriginal populations are often genetically and culturally distinct, and as would be expected with distinct ethnic differences, there are also differences in rates and types of heart disease, which supports the importance of understanding possible genetic factors that might alter susceptibility. In Canada, higher rates of congenital heart malformations have been identified in some Inuit and First Nations than in the non-Aboriginal population. Moreover, at least 3 different First Nations communities in Canada have been found to have disproportionately higher rates of congenital long QT syndrome, a genetic predisposition to arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Although rates of ischemic heart disease historically have been lower in Aboriginal populations, more recent evidence suggests equal or higher rates than in non-Aboriginal populations. Although relatively few Aboriginal communities in Canada have participated in research to explore the genetic component of cardiovascular disease, recent progress in research standards of practice that require collaborative approaches have opened the doors for more involvement. Herein we present what has been learned to date through research and the apparent gaps in the understanding of the genetics of heart disease in Canadian, American, Circumpolar, and other international Indigenous populations.
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