GENETIC RISK-FACTORS FOR MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a complex phenotype caused by interactio n of a number of genetic and environmental factors. A genetic suscepti bility to MI was observed in a familial aggregation and studies in twi ns. Advances in molecular genetics have led to identification of a num ber of potential genetic risk factors for MI, such as variants of gene s involved in vascular homeostasis, thrombosis, and lipid metabolism. Functional variants of angiotensin-1-converting enzyme (ACE), beta-fib rinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, glycoprotein IIIa, and many apolipoprotein genes are consid ered excellent candidate risk factors for MI. Interaction of the susce ptibility genes with modifier genes, environmental factors, and conven tional risk factors results in the final phenotype of MI. Understandin g the complex interaction between these factors is expected to provide significant insights into the pathogenesis of MI and lead to developm ent of genetic-based risk stratification, prevention, and treatment.