Lifestyle and Genetic Factors Associated With Cardiovascular Disease: A Genome-wide Association Study

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Epidemiology
• Cardiovascular Disease Research

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality globally.
• Understanding the interplay of genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors is crucial for effective CVD prevention.
• Previous research has identified some genetic markers for CVD, but comprehensive analyses incorporating demographic and behavioral data are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• To examine the combined influence of genetic, demographic, and lifestyle factors on CVD risk.
• To explore potential sex-specific genetic associations with CVD.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of Phase 1 data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) Health Examinee (HEXA) cohort (n=26,546).
• Sex-stratified analyses were conducted.
• Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with CVD were identified using PLINK 1.9.
• Logistic regression models in IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0 assessed associations between CVD and various factors.

Main Results:

• Three SNPs (rs8086325, rs34233878, rs218463) were significantly associated with CVD in the overall sample.
• Sex-specific SNPs associated with CVD were identified in both males and females.
• Multivariate analyses revealed significant associations of age (≥60), BMI (≥30), male sex, smoking, low protein intake, low income, and specific SNPs with CVD risk.

Conclusions:

• CVD risk is multifactorial, influenced by a combination of genetic, behavioral, and demographic factors.
• Observed sex-specific genetic associations highlight the need for tailored prevention strategies.
• Genomics-informed, sex-sensitive approaches are essential for reducing CVD risk and promoting cardiovascular health, with nurses playing a key role.