Genetic determinants of myocardial infarction

There is a strong familial and genetic nature of CAD and predisposing metabolic disorders. This should encourage health care workers to focus additional attention on the younger members of affected families, particularly the families of patients with MI prior to age 55. This should take the form of genetic counseling as well as patient education and follow-up with respect to hygienic measures of proven efficacy, and aggressive treatment of metabolic disorders that prove resistant to changes in lifestyle. In certain cases, as discussed in this review, genetic testing may prove helpful.