What Are the Genetic Markers for Heart Diseases?

The genetic markers of heart diseases are:

MMP3: MMP3 is a gene that might act as the marker for cardiac disorders. This gene codes for matrix metalloprotease stromelysin proteins; these are proteins classified as matrix metalloproteases. The primary function of this protein type is cleaving the existing proteins. Besides that it is also known for accomplishing several functions in our body; examples include remodeling and maintenance of cardiovascular tissues. In a 2004 study, the researchers indicated that certain varieties of the marker MMP3 possess association with reduced risk of cardiac disorders; some other variants of the gene, on the other hand, are responsible for occurrence of heart diseases. If a genetic screening of the different variants of the MMP3 gene is performed, it can be predicted whether an individual will be the victim of heart disorders in future.

APOE: This gene codes for apolipoprotein E and is regarded as another genetic marker of heart disorders. Apolipoprotein E forms lipoproteins of extremely low density by combining with the lipids present in our bloodstream. These lipoproteins work for regulating the cholesterol levels in bloodstream and an increase in the levels of cholesterol is one of major contributing factors of cardiac disorders. According to experts, APOE can be of 3 varieties, e4, e3 and 32. Patients having the APOE variant called e4 are the ones at maximum risk of suffering from atherosclerosis, a common trigger of heart diseases. Genetic screening might be performed to find out the variant of APOE existing in an individual’s body; this test will allow in knowing how much an individual is at risk of having cardiac disorders.

Interleukin 1: It is a member of the protein family called cytokines; its primary function is regulating inflammation. A study carried out recently has revealed that certain forms of the gene interleukin 1 can be responsible for increasing one’s risk of suffering from heart diseases. The findings from the study suggest that a particular interleukin 1 gene can increase our risk of having heart disease by as much as 4 times.