The aim is for these new findings to enable earlier detection of atherosclerosis and improved treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, represents the largest gene mapping of atherosclerosis using advanced diagnostic imaging to date. The researchers behind the study are based at universities and university hospitals throughout Sweden.

“The study is an important piece of the puzzle in understanding why atherosclerosis develops, which could ultimately lead to new ways of preventing the disease process. We also hope to develop genetic tests to identify people at high risk of being affected,” explains the lead researcher in the study, Anders Gummesson, Associate Professor of Molecular Medicine at the University of Gothenburg and Senior Physician in Clinical Genetics at Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

Data from the SCAPIS population study

The study is based on data from the SCAPIS population study, the largest in Sweden in the field of heart, vascular, and lung disease, encompassing 30,000 randomly selected Swedes aged 50–64 years who underwent comprehensive health exams. What sets SCAPIS apart is the highly detailed measurements of atherosclerosis using advanced diagnostic imaging, including both computed tomography and ultrasound, describes the researchers.

This enabled the researchers to examine several million genetic variants, spread throughout the genome, regarding their impact on the risk of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries, which can cause heart attacks. Twenty genetic variants were found to have a statistically significant association.

The study also included similar analyses of atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries, which can lead to stroke. When the coronary and carotid results were compared, several differences emerged, suggesting different underlying disease mechanisms.

SCAPIS (Swedish CArdioPulmonary BioImage Study) is led and conducted by six universities and six university hospitals across Sweden, in close collaboration with the Swedish Heart Lung Foundation, which is the main funder. The project is coordinated at the University of Gothenburg.

Source: Sahlgrenska Academy