British Heart Foundation gene research helped by thousands of brothers and sisters

An unusual British Heart Foundation (BHF) 'DNA database' from brothers and sisters across the UK has enabled researchers to pinpoint six genetic 'hotspots' that can double the risk of developing early heart disease.

By providing DNA samples, 2871 siblings from 930 families have taken part in the important genetic risk of acute coronary event (GRACE) study, aiming to find culprit genes that make some people more vulnerable to heart problems in middle age.

Researchers at University of Leeds analysed the samples for genetic differences between brothers or sisters with heart disease and those that are unaffected. They found that certain variations lead to more than a doubling of risk for some family members.

The results are being presented today to heart specialists at the European society of cardiology congress in Stockholm, Sweden.

The Congress will hear that the analysis of the GRACE collection has unearthed variations in three genes important in our natural defense to infections that seem to confer protection to heart disease, while another three – also part of our immune responses – seem to contribute to causing disease.

Whereas many studies compare disease sufferers to the general population, who will naturally have lots of genetic differences, the GRACE study was able to focus in on the important, hard-to-find, disease-causing variations because they were comparing siblings, who have very similar genetic make-up.

The research team led by Professor Alistair Hall found that although variations in individual genes increased the chance of heart disease, the cumulative effect of carrying lots of the 'bad' genes and fewer of the 'good' genes could double the risk.

Dr Ben Brown, who is presenting the study, said, "This is a really exciting finding. We are one of the first studies to examine such a large number of families affected by heart disease giving us real confidence in the results.

"We are starting to see how examining what we inherit from our parents and share with our brothers and sisters may put us at an increased risk.

"Importantly, we probably already have the medicines available to reduce the risk from these genes but sadly not all who need them are taking them. This greater understanding will eventually allow us to identify those most at risk, reducing the numbers dying each year by preventing the problem in the first place."

Professor Peter Weissberg said, "The GRACE collection is special because it allows us to cut down the background genetic 'noise' and focus on those genes that are important in our fight against heart disease.

"The next step will be to see if the results are consistent in different populations and then test how the genetic variations are causing increased risk. The future should see us being able to accurately predict which family members need to be most diligent in reducing their heart disease risk through a healthy lifestyle and careful health monitoring."

For more information please contact the British Heart Foundation press office on 020 7487 7172 (or 07764 290381 out of hours) or email [email protected].