In 2007, research groups across the UK and Europe collaborated in a major project to unmask the culprit genes that can significantly increase many people's risk of heart disease.

Our genes are important in determining the risks we face from a number of potentially fatal conditions. A few years ago, the BHF's Family Heart Study analysed DNA samples from siblings in 2,000 families affected by heart disease, and began to unravel how our genetic inheritance can predispose some of us to develop heart conditions. This year, combining the data with other studies from around the world, BHF scientists worked with colleagues in Germany to analyse DNA from 3,000 healthy individuals and 2,000 patients, to explore the impact of genetic variations on heart disease.

The work was part of a £9 million consortium, set up by the Wellcome Trust, to further explore the effects of rogue genes on conditions including coronary heart disease. It was the largest ever study in this field, involving 50 different research groups, who analysed almost 10 billion pieces of genetic information. The results, released in June 2007, were remarkable. Professor Peter Donnelly, Chair of the Consortium, said it heralded "a new dawn" for medical research, and that they had learnt more in 12 months than in the last 15 years.

The researchers discovered minor changes in genetic makeup were associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease and heart attacks. BHF Professor Nilesh Samani said: "These genetic variations are very important and explain a significant proportion of heart attacks. The findings are important to understanding what causes heart disease." Professor Donnelly added that identifying these genes "should enable scientists to better understand who are most at risk, and to produce more effective treatments."

The BHF is supporting further genetic research, for example at the new BHF Centre of Research Excellence at Imperial College, London. To find out more about our research projects, go to bhf.org.uk/professors