New Genetic Targets for Atherosclerosis Prevention

Genetic variations that raise the risk of atherosclerosis have been found by Swedish researchers. These new discoveries are intended to improve the treatment of cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks and strokes, and allow for the early detection of atherosclerosis.

The study is the largest gene mapping of atherosclerosis using sophisticated diagnostic imaging to date, and it was published in the journal Nature Communications. The study’s researchers are stationed at Swedish universities and university hospitals.

The disease process known as atherosclerosis is what leads to plaque development in the blood vessels that carry blood to the body’s organs. Over time, these plaque buildups might develop into clots that abruptly cut off the blood flow.

Acute oxygen deprivation of the heart muscle results in a heart attack if this occurs in the heart's coronary arteries. The clot can be transported to the brain by the bloodstream and result in a stroke if it happens with plaque that has developed in the carotid arteries.

Twenty Genetic Variants Pinpointed

The study’s data comes from the SCAPIS population study, which is the biggest in Sweden for heart, vascular, and lung disease. It included 30,000 randomly chosen Swedes between the ages of 50 and 64 who had thorough medical examinations. SCAPIS is unique in that it uses sophisticated diagnostic imaging, such as computed tomography and ultrasound, to measure atherosclerosis in great detail.

This made it possible for the researchers to investigate the effects of millions of genetic variations dispersed throughout the genome on the risk of coronary artery atherosclerosis, which can result in heart attacks. A statistically significant correlation between twenty genetic variations was discovered.

Input for Better Understanding

Anders Gummesson, a senior physician in clinical genetics at Sahlgrenska University Hospital and an associate professor of molecular medicine at the University of Gothenburg, is the study's lead researcher.

The study is an important piece of the puzzle in understanding why atherosclerosis develops, which could ultimately lead to new ways of preventing the disease process. We also hope to develop genetic tests to identify people at high risk of being affected.”

Anders Gummesson, Associate Professor and Study Principal Investigator, Molecular Medicine, University of Gothenburg

Atherosclerosis is prevalent, and even moderately advanced cases might be completely asymptomatic. Many people get a heart attack or stroke unexpectedly. Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death in most nations, including Sweden.

Gummesson added, “The results provide us with important knowledge, and the entire dataset, containing results from millions of genetic variants, will be available to other researchers around the world to use in their research.”