Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism as a cardiovascular risk factor in children

A family history of cardiovascular disease predicts cardiovascular risk in the next generation, which is either the result of inherited traits or cert ain living habits in some families. The aim of our study was to evaluate bo th variables and particularly the role of one of the possible genetic risk factors - angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism. History an d anthropometric and biochemical parameters, ACE gene polymorphism and caro tid wall thickness - intima media thickness (IMT) were studied in two group s of children: in children whose parents had a stroke before the age of 45 years and in children without a positive family history. The preliminary re sults of the present study failed to confirm our hypothesis that ACE gene p olymorphism is a cardiovascular risk factor in children of parents with pre mature stroke.