Logo 24G
0 0,00

Coronary artery disease and genetics

Coronary artery disease is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. It’s the most common type of heart disease. Although there are known risk factors, such as smoking, high cholesterol, and hypertension, numerous studies have shown that genetics play an essential role in the propensity to suffer from this disease.

Below, we reveal what connection coronary artery disease has with genetics. But you will also learn what it consists of, its symptoms, and what factors are considered risk factors in its development.

 

What is coronary artery disease?

It consists of an ailment that occurs when the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart (coronary arteries) narrow and harden, known as atherosclerosis

In this process, fat, cholesterol, and other substances called “plaque” are deposited inside the arteries. Over time, these plaques can narrow the arteries, making it challenging to deliver the amount of oxygen, nutrients, and blood the muscles need. 

 

Atherosclerosis can occur in any artery, but when it appears in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, it’s known as coronary artery disease [1].

There is a greater risk of suffering from this pathology when there’s a family history of having developed it at less than 50 years of age. But advanced age, hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, lack of physical activity, and obesity also increase the risk. [2]

 coronary artery disease

Signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease develops silently. These fatty plaques build up over the years until they cause a significant blockage in the arteries or a heart attack. Before this, there may be no symptoms related to the disease to alert us.

As the coronary arteries narrow, the heart receives less and less blood. Therefore, if symptoms do appear, they tend to be increasingly severe or frequent [3] and manifest on exertion of the heart, such as during exercise [1]. The main signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease include the following:

  • Chest pain or pressure usually occurs on the left side or in the middle of the chest and disappears when the triggering factor ends. In some people, especially women, the pain may be felt in the neck, arm, or back and manifests briefly or acutely [3].
  • Shortness of breath: feeling that you cannot inhale oxygen.
  • Fatigue: tiredness caused by decreased blood pumped by the heart.
  •  Heart attack: characteristic symptoms of a heart attack include a feeling of tightness and pain in the chest, shoulders, or arms, shortness of breath, and excessive sweating. Some heart attacks cause no noticeable symptoms [3].

 

Risk factors for coronary artery disease

There is a multitude of factors that can affect the health of the coronary arteries. Some of them are:

  •  Age: at older ages, the likelihood of artery damage and narrowing is greater.
  • Sex: although men are at greater risk of coronary artery disease, the risk in women increases after menopause. 
  •  Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease, including breathing in smoke from other people who smoke.
  • High cholesterol: the risk of atherosclerosis increases with an excess of bad cholesterol in the blood or with low levels of good cholesterol.
  • High blood pressure: uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to arterial stiffness.
  • Overweight: obesity can lead to diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • Stress: too much emotional stress can adversely affect other risk factors for coronary artery disease.
 coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease and genetics

According to a study published in ‘Nature Cardiovascular Research,’ which began almost two decades ago, up to 60% of the risk of developing coronary arteriosclerosis has a genetic origin. This is related to changes in the activity of many genes that function in networks in various organs. The hormones that process fats are essential in coordinating this activity [4].

 

One way to determine if our DNA contains any genetic variation that increases the risk of coronary artery disease is to take a genetic test. At 24Genetics, we have the complete health test on the market, in which you will not only know your propensity to develop this disease, but you will also have a great deal of information about your predisposition to suffer from many other diseases, as well as a large amount of data of genetic interest Check it out!

 

Bibliography

[1] Coronary artery disease – Healthwise Staff. Medically reviewed by Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD – Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine & Stephen Fort MD, MRCP, FRCPC – Cardiac Interventionalist [published Sep. 2022; accessed Feb. 2023] Available at: https://www.cigna.com/es-us/knowledge-center/hw/temas-de-salud/enfermedad-de-las-arterias-coronarias-hw113087

[2] Coronary Artery Disease – National Cancer Institute [accessed Feb. 2023] Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/espanol/publicaciones/diccionarios/diccionario-cancer/def/enfermedad-arterial-coronaria

[3] Coronary Artery Disease – Mayo Clinic Staff [published Jul. 2022; accessed Feb. 2023] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/diseases-conditions/coronary-artery-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350613

[4] 60% of risk associated with coronary artery disease is due to gene activity – Infosalus (Europa Press) [published Jan. 2022; accessed Feb. 2023] Available at: https://www.infosalus.com/salud-investigacion/noticia-60-riesgo-asociado-enfermedad-arterial-coronaria-debe-actividad-genetica-20220113071748.html

Written by Manuel de la Mata

Geneticist

Lung cancer and genetics

Lung cancer and genetics

What is lung cancer? Lung cancer consists of the uncontrolled multiplication of malignant cells of the lung epithelium. It usually starts in these organs and can spread to different parts of the respiratory system, even reaching the lymph nodes or other organs, such...

read more
What is a Genetic Test?

What is a Genetic Test?

In today's age of science and technology, genetics has revolutionized our understanding of heredity and the functioning of the human body. Genetic tests, also known as DNA tests, are one of the most prominent innovations in this field. These tests have gained...

read more
What is the exposome and what is its impact on health?

What is the exposome and what is its impact on health?

Health is a complex concept in which it is clear that multiple factors of various kinds have an influence. Some of them are relatively easy to modify; in others our capacity to influence is minimal or null; and others are practically static. As we have told you on...

read more
Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing

Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing

From the color of our eyes to our predispositions to certain diseases, our genes significantly influence our lives. Thanks to technological advances and industry-leading companies like 24Genetics, personalized genetics is now more accessible than ever.    What is...

read more
Gaucher Disease and Genetics

Gaucher Disease and Genetics

What is Gaucher disease? Gaucher disease is a rare autosomal recessive (two copies of a mutated gene must be present for the disease to develop) genetic disorder, which is due to a deficit of a lysosomal enzyme called glucocerebrosidase, which causes the storage of...

read more
What role does the oral microbiota play in your health?

What role does the oral microbiota play in your health?

In recent years, interest in the study of the oral microbiota as a marker of health status has increased enormously. More and more research is being carried out in the field of microbiology and, therefore, the conclusions we can draw are more scientifically...

read more
The influence of genetics on celiac disease

The influence of genetics on celiac disease

What is celiac disease? Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the digestive system. It is characterized by an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and crossbreeds of these grains. When a person with celiac disease consumes...

read more
April 25th: World DNA Day

April 25th: World DNA Day

April 25th: World DNA DayThe discovery of DNA is one of the most significant milestones in the history of science and, to this day, remains the basis for many medical discoveries and advances. April 25th is the day on which two main passages in genetics and, by...

read more
    0
    Cart
    Your cart is empty
      Calculate Shipping
      Apply Coupon