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Genetic Etiology of Coronary Artery Disease

The etiology, or causes, of coronary artery disease include not only lifestyle and dietary factors but also genetics. As researchers learn more about the specific genetic triggers of this disease, they also gain new understanding of the delicate relationship between genetics and environment.

  1. Coronary Artery Disease

    • The Mayo Clinic describes coronary artery disease as damage or blockage of the arteries leading to the heart. Deposits called plaques build up inside the artery walls, making the passages narrower and impairing blood flow. This kind of gradual blockage can cause chest pain, breathing difficulties or even a fatal heart attack.

      While external factors such as smoking, lack of exercise, old age or stress can increase your risk for coronary artery disease, science has long known that inherited factors play a role as well. The Mayo Clinic lists both gender and family medical history as possible red flags. Men are more likely to suffer from the disease than women, and anyone whose parent had the disease by age 60 also runs an elevated risk for it.

    Genetic Disorders

    • Genes, the complex array of tiny chemical messengers that determine our physical characteristics, can cause a wide spectrum of diseases and disorders, according to the U.S. Government's Human Genome Program. When a variant in a gene causes it to fail at its task, a genetic disorder can result. These altered genes can pass on to future generations, who then may suffer the same disorder. Genes can also influence coronary artery disease. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) lists one such example. The gene produces a protein, known as apoliprotein E, that carries excess cholesterol away from the bloodstream so it won't form plaques on artery walls. A defect in this gene can cause high cholesterol, a risk factor in coronary heart disease.

    Risk Patterns

    • Science continues to discover new genetic markers that can help predict risk of coronary artery disease. According to Science Daily, a 2007 study revealed six previously unknown genetic variants linked to higher risk of the disease, while verifying a 7th suspected variant. Carrying more than one of these genetic variants greatly boosts the risk of coronary artery disease and the possibility of a heart attack.

    Interactions with Environment

    • An article published by the NCBI notes that genetic diseases such as coronary artery disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure often appear in conjunction with environmental changes, such as an altered diet or lifestyle. The presence or absence of certain nutrients seems to have a direct effect on whether genetic predispositions turn into full-blown illnesses.

    Considerations

    • Even an inherited disease like coronary heart disease can be successfully treated or even prevented. The Mayo Clinic recommends a smoke-free, stress-free lifestyle featuring good nutrition and exercise habits. Your doctor may also prescribe cholesterol drugs, beta blockers to lower blood pressure or simple aspirin to thin the blood.

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