Association of the HindIII polymorphism of the lipoprotein lipase gene with myocardial infarction and the life span in elderly patients with coronaryheart disease

Allele and genotype frequencies of the HindIII polymorphism of the lipoprot ein lipase (LPL) gene were studied in patients with myocardial infarction ( MI) and stable angina of effort (SAE), including long-lived people (over 90 ). The polymorphism proved to be associated with MI and with the life span, genotype H+/H+ being predisposing to MI and allele H- being protective. Th e allele and genotype frequencies of long-lived people differed significant ly from the Hardy-Weinberg proportions and from those of SAE patients aged up to 90. An excess of heterozygotes in this group suggests a selective pre ssure which eliminates homozygotes. Possibly, heterozygotes H+/H- have an a daptive advantage, which provides for their longevity.