A new genetic test could identify many of those at highest risk of developing heart disease, British researchers say today.
The test could warn patients they have a genetic propensity to disease, according to its developers.
It has come from an analysis of some 49,000 genetic variations.
According to the researchers, led by Professor Nilesh Samani, from Leicester University, the 20% of people with the highest genetic risk scores have a five times greater risk of developing coronary heart diseases than the 20% with the lowest scores.
They say the genetic risk scores are independent of clinical risk factors, such as smoking or diabetes.
The findings are reported today in the European Heart Journal.
The project involved researchers in Australia, Finland, Germany and the Netherlands.
Professor Samani said: “This is the first really large study showing the potential benefits of using a genetic risk score over and above current methods to identify people at increased risk of coronary heart disease. We already know that coronary heart disease starts at an early age, several decades before symptoms develop, and preventative measures should ideally be applied much earlier, especially to those who are at increased risk.
“Unfortunately, current clinical risk scores are not good at evaluating risk until middle-age. On the other hand the genetic risk score, which is based on your DNA, can be applied at any age.”
He added: “Further studies are needed to demonstrate the precise clinical value of this approach in different populations.”
Dr Mike Knapton, from the British Heart Foundation, said: “This new tool could be invaluable in more accurately identifying people who are at an increased of developing heart disease.
“However, it’s important to remember that having a genetic predisposition to coronary heart disease does not guarantee that person will have a heart attack.”
Genomic prediction of coronary heart disease. European Heart Journal 22 September 2016; doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehw450
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