Genetic risk factors for myocardial infarction

Interactions of genetic and environmental risk factors influence the susceptibility to coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction. In myocardial infarction occurring at young age, genetics of this multifactorial disease may be the leading factor. A number of candidate genes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of CAD and myocardial infarction. Mutations in the DNA sequence (gene polymorphisms) have been identified that appear to play a crucial role in blood pressure regulation, lipid metabolism, endothelial function, in the pathophysiology of coagulation or thrombosis, or in interventional cardiology by interfering with restenosis development. Genetic polymophisms seem to be clinically important because they not only potentiate the individual risk under certain circumstances, but they also determine safety and effectiveness of commonly prescribed drugs. Understanding the complexity and functional relevance of genetic risk factors will be useful in early detection and treatment of individuals that are exposed to higher risk for myocardial infarction. Thus it is important to include genetic risk factors in the concept of the classical risk factor theory. Potentially in future a genetic risk profile including relevant polymorphisms may be an essential part of the clinicians' knowledge in primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease.