Background: Cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) have been associated with myocardial infarction (MI), while the role of genetic risk factors (GRF) remains undetermined.
Methods: Cineventriculograms of 3436 were analyzed for presence of regional function impairment as sign of MI. Genotyping for genetic polymorphism (vitamin D receptor VDR BsmI, interleukin-6 IL6-174 G/C, chemokine receptor 2 CCR2 64 V/I) was performed. CRF were assessed (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, and diabetes mellitus).
Results: In patients <65 years (n=1946) genotypes (VDR BB, IL6 GC/CC, CCR2 VI/II, defined as GRF) were significantly associated with the presence of MI (BB: OR 1.38, 95%CI 1.07-1.79, p=0.016 GC/CC: 1.28, 95%CI 1.03-1.60, p=0.028 VI/II: 1.49, 95%CI 1.17-1.88, p=0.001). Combining four CRF (14% vs. 21% vs. 27% vs. 31% vs. 38%, p<0.0001) and three GRF (21% vs. 25% vs. 32% vs. 44%, p<0.0001) revealed additive effects on the prevalence of MI. The more combined CRF and GRF were present (from 0 to 7) the higher was the prevalence of MI (11% vs. 12% vs. 21% vs. 27% vs. 30% vs. 34% vs. 59%, p< 0.0001). Age was not associated with MI. In patients > or =65 years (n=1490) the combination of CRF was only weakly associated with MI, while GRF were not. In these patients age was a predictor of MI.
Conclusion: Certain GRF might have additive but small effects on the disposition for MI before the age of 65. In older patients the tested GRF had no effect, possibly indicating a mechanism of aging rather than a purely genetic determined entity. Given the small effect of the tested genetic polymorphisms the value of testing GRF remains uncertain.