Analysis of the myoglobin gene from a large number of patients with ca
rdiac disease disclosed a single substantive mutation. However, no evi
dence of biochemical or physiological dysfunction due to this mutation
was defected. We conclude that, within the limits of presently availa
ble techniques, myoglobin mutations are unlikely to contribute substan
tially to the genotypic background of cardiac disease in the general p
opulation. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.