Polygenic Risk Scores: The Next Step for Improved Risk Stratification in Coronary Artery Disease?

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Cardiovascular Medicine
• Genomic Risk Prediction
• Personalized Medicine

Background:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading global cause of death despite management advances.
• Current risk assessment tools are often inaccurate for moderate-risk individuals.
• Predictive genetic screening, including polygenic risk scores (PRS), is increasingly explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role and potential of polygenic risk scores (PRS) in coronary artery disease (CAD).
• To highlight PRS as a tool for stratifying genetic risk and improving prediction accuracy.
• To discuss the application of PRS in personalized CAD prevention and diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• This is a narrative review.
• It synthesizes current knowledge on polygenic risk scores (PRS).
• It discusses the calculation and application of PRS based on genome-wide association studies.

Main Results:

• Polygenic risk scores (PRS) are calculated as weighted sums of single-nucleotide variants associated with cardiometabolic diseases.
• PRS can identify individuals with increased susceptibility to CAD, especially those with a family history.
• PRS have the potential to complement existing clinical scores, enhancing risk prediction accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Polygenic risk scores (PRS) represent a valuable tool for understanding and stratifying genetic risk in CAD.
• The application of PRS can lead to personalized prevention and early diagnosis strategies.
• PRS may positively impact healthcare costs and reduce adverse outcomes associated with CAD.