Background: The progression and extent of coronary heart disease (CHD) are extremely variable and in many instances independent of conventional risk factors. The differences may be partly explained by less favorable genetic polymorphisms that are associated with them. The polymorphisms of the angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene have been thoroughly evaluated, but the connection between them and the extent of CHD is unknown.
Aims: Our study is aimed at determining whether any or all of the polymorphisms of the ACE gene are markers of the extent and severity of CHD.
Methods: This was a descriptive study of 296 patients with a history of myocardial infarction or with coronary disease confirmed by coronary angiography. The severity of CHD was quantified according to Leaman's score (based on the number of arteries with more than 75% reduction in diameter and the number of affected coronary segments). The ACE genotypes were determined by specific polymerase chain reaction amplification and the segments were subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The mean coronary score and standard deviation of the three polymorphisms were calculated and the values statistically compared using the Student's t test for independent samples.
Results: 296 patients with a mean age of 55.103 years, 234 male, were evaluated.
Conclusion: The study clearly shows that the DD genotype is linked to the extent of CHD, with a high level of significance. If this is confirmed, careful secondary prevention is indicated in patients with this genotype.