Genetics of coronary heart disease with reference to ApoAI-CIII-AIV gene region

Table 2 Genetic and environmental risk factors for coronary heart disease

Risk factors with a significant genetic component (heritability)

Elevated LDL and VLDL cholesterol (40%-60%)

Low HDL cholesterol (45%-75%)

Elevated triglycerides (40%-80%)

Increased body mass index (25%-60%)

Elevated systolic blood pressure (50%-70%)

Elevated diastolic blood pressure (50%-65%)

Elevated lipoprotein(a) levels (90%)

Elevated homocysteine levels (45%)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (40%-80%)

Elevated fibrinogen (20%-50%)

Elevated C-reactive protein (40%)

Elevated homocysteine levels (45%)

Gender

Age

Family history

Environmental risk factors

Smoking

Diet

Exercise

Infection

Foetal environment

Air pollution (particulates)

Risk factors for coronary heart disease can be subdivided into those that are determined significantly by genetic differences and those that are largely environmental (Based on Lusis et al[58] 2004). VLDL: Very low density lipoprotein; LDL: Low density lipoprotein; HDL: High density lipoprotein.