Genetic factors in coronary heart disease

Incidence and mortality of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD) vary considerably among races, populations and ethnic groups. Some individuals with low levels of risk factors succumb early to disease while many others with a high risk profile do not. CHD clusters in families and is manyfold increased in first degree relatives of persons with an early onset of the disease. Such studies provide compelling evidence of the high degree of heritability of CHD and its risk factors.
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