Genetics in the prevention and management of coronary artery disease

Robert Roberts1,2

  • 1Department of Medicine for University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix.

Insights

Over 90 genetic risk variants for coronary artery disease (CAD) have been identified. A genetic risk score (GRS) effectively stratifies CAD risk, offering a lifetime perspective for primary prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Genetics
  • Genomic Medicine
  • Preventive Cardiology

Background:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
  • Conventional risk factors do not fully capture individual susceptibility to CAD.
  • Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in CAD development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review identified genetic risk variants for coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • To describe the application of genetic risk scores (GRS) in CAD risk stratification.
  • To highlight the potential of GRS in the primary prevention of CAD.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of genetic association studies identifying CAD risk variants.
  • Analysis of studies utilizing genetic risk scores (GRS) for risk stratification.
  • Evaluation of GRS performance against traditional risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Over 90 distinct genetic risk variants predisposing to CAD have been discovered.
  • The genetic risk burden for CAD is quantifiable through a genetic risk score (GRS).
  • GRS demonstrates superior efficacy in CAD risk stratification compared to conventional risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic risk variants provide valuable insights into CAD susceptibility.
  • The genetic risk score (GRS) offers a powerful tool for personalized CAD risk assessment.
  • GRS enables early and lifelong risk stratification, paving the way for a paradigm shift in CAD primary prevention.
Abstract

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