Abstract
A genetic-epidemiologic study was undertaken of a white Colorado population of 207 patients who had a myocardial infarction before age 55 years. Nineteen independent variables were compared between the 207 cases and 621 controls, matched 3:1. The highest risk ratios were associated with a positive family history for ischemic heart disease (IHD). The heritability of IHD was 63% when families with the monogenic forms of hyperlipoproteinemia were included, and 56% when they were excluded. A risk index was developed that incorporates family history into a data base of risk factors, which can be readily assessed by the clinician obtaining a screening history, physical and standard laboratory tests. A scale of 0-10 was devised and the predictive value of the index was tested against another data set. The efficiency of the index was maximal at a screening level of 5. This study suggests that it is logistically feasible to seek patients at high risk for intensive management in a clinical setting (high-risk strategy) using risk indices similar to the one developed for this study, which emphasize the very important familial component to IHD.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 503-508 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Circulation |
Volume | 61 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1980 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
- Physiology (medical)