Genetics of coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction

Figure 1 Atherosclerosis is a multi-decade pathological process involving complex interactions between genetics and environmental factors. The estimated heritability of CAD and MI is 50% to 60%. The heritability of each individual risk factor is indicated as a %. CAD: Coronary artery disease; MI: Myocardial infarction.

Figure 2 Chromosome map of genes reported to be causal for, susceptible to and associated with coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction in the literature. Genes in red are causal genes for monogenic familial CAD and MI. CAD: Coronary artery disease; MI: Myocardial infarction.

Figure 3 The balance between athero-protective (A) and pro-atherogenic (B) factors involved in the development of atherosclerosis. Obstructive atherosclerotic arterial disease results from the loss of balance between these two factors. A: A list of factors and processes that provide protective effects against atherogenesis; B: A list of factors and processes that promote atherogenesis. HDL: High-density lipoprotein; LDL: Low-density lipoprotein.