How we could make a difference
Differences in our genetic makeup mean some people are more prone
to heart disease than others. Variations in several genes seem to
add up to an increased risk for some of us. Locating and
understanding these genes could lead to great breakthroughs that
could help save lives.
How we did it
A molecule called Lp(a) has
long been suspected of playing a role in heart disease, but clear
proof that it actually causes heart attacks has been hard to come
by until BHF researchers analysed the genes of nearly 16,000
people.
Research using ‘gene-chip’ technology, funded by the BHF at Oxford University, pinpointed the two genes associated with Lp(a) production in a genetic ‘hot spot’ area of DNA known for its links to heart disease.
One in six people carry at least one of the genes, which significantly raises their risk of having a heart attack. Lp(a) was proven guilty at last!
How we’ll progress
The findings may lead
to new medicines for preventing heart disease, and open new avenues
of research for treatments. Most exciting of all, the genes also
reveal clues that could help to understand how heart disease
develops.
One theory is that Lp(a) might interfere with the natural breakdown of blood clots in our circulation because of its similarity to a clot-clearing molecule.
We hope to support scientists to unravel this in forthcoming research.