Genetik der koronaren Herzkrankheit und des Herzinfarkts

Because of their high prevalence, cases of coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI) are frequently found when asking for a patient’s family history. It is common knowledge that a positive familial history constitutes a risk factor for CAD in its own right, in addition to smoking, increased alcohol intake, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Nevertheless, for correct risk assessment it is crucial to accurately distinguish between sporadic and true familial cases of CAD and MI. Familial disposition is present when at least one male first-grade relative under the age of 55 or one female first-grade relative under the age of 65 has/had been diagnosed with myocardial infarction or significant coronary artery disease. In the review presented here, we compile the relevant epidemiological and genetic studies that constitute the scientific basis of this risk assessment. Furthermore, a short overview of the state of the art of genetic CAD/MI research is given.