Deletion/insertion polymorphism in the angiotension-converting enzyme geneas a risk factor in the Slovenian patients with coronary heart disease

The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) plays by degradation of angiotensin I and bradykinin, an important role in modulations of smooth muscle prolif eration and vascular tone. Typical plasma levels of ACE accompany the VD po lymorphism; however, a controversy exists as to whether the DD genotype of the ACE polymorphism affects the risk for the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). We compared the I/D polymorphism in 171 Slovenian CHD patie nts that were younger than 55 years with 134 healthy control individuals. T he DD genotype is associated with a 2.3 - fold increase in the risk for CHD .