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Published on: August 28, 2018
Relation between family history of coronary artery disease and coronary risk variables
1Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City 84132.
Insights
Family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) is an independent risk factor. Known risk variables like cholesterol and smoking explain only part of this association, suggesting unknown factors are involved.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) is a known risk factor.
- The specific risk variables associated with family history of CAD require further elucidation.
- Understanding these associations is crucial for effective cardiovascular risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and various coronary risk variables.
- To identify which risk variables are most strongly associated with a positive family history of CAD.
- To determine if family history of CAD is an independent risk factor after accounting for other known variables.
Main Methods:
- A study of 1,058 Utah adults categorized into low, intermediate, and high family history score groups.
- Assessment of 60 potential risk variables using multiple stepwise discriminant analysis.
- Age-adjusted relative risk calculation for hypertension in relation to family history of CAD.
Main Results:
- Cholesterol, smoking duration, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triceps skinfold thickness were significant predictors of family history score.
- While normal blood pressure did not discriminate groups, a positive family history was linked to a higher likelihood of developing hypertension (RR 1.79).
- Discriminant analysis achieved only 39% accuracy in classifying subjects into their correct family history groups.
Conclusions:
- Family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) is an independent risk factor for developing CAD.
- Known risk variables do not fully explain the association between family history and CAD, indicating the presence of unknown mediating factors.
- Further research is needed to identify these unknown risk variables that link family history to CAD.
Abstract:
The relation between family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and coronary risk variables was examined in 1,058 Utah adults. Subjects were divided into 3 family history score groups (low, intermediate and high) and the effects of 60 potential risk variables were assessed using multiple stepwise discriminant analysis. After controlling for age effects, the variables entering the discriminant function equation (p less than 0.01) were cholesterol, years smoking cigarettes, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triceps skinfold thickness. Although normal blood pressure variation did not discriminate among family history groups, those with a positive family history of CAD were more likely to develop hypertension than those without a family history (age-adjusted relative risk 1.79, with 95% confidence limits 1.03 and 3.09). In spite of significant differences among family history score groups with regard to risk variables, the discriminant analysis classified only 39% of subjects into the correct group. It was concluded that other unknown risk variables must mediate the effects of family history of CAD. Thus, family history should be considered an independent risk factor for CAD.
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