Most of us know how to keep our hearts healthy, but there are other risk factors that are beyond our control, including our genetics
Around 25 per cent of first-time heart attack patients have no traditional risk factors and lead active, healthy lifestyles.
IMB cardiovascular genetics expert Dr Sonia Shah said our genes hold important clues about why some individuals are more likely to get heart disease.
“Studying heart disease at a genetic level could not only help us develop new treatments, but also help prevent disease in the first place.”
An unequal playing field
Heart disease is largely preventable.
“If we can predict who is at highest risk of developing heart disease, starting them on certain medications could help prevent a heart attack or stroke. Recent studies have shown that our genetic data can improve our ability to identify those at high risk.”
But when it comes to predicting who is at high risk, the playing field is not equal.
The tools used by GPs to identify people who are at highest risk of heart disease are based on studies of mostly white people of European background, and are not as accurate in other populations. The same is true for genetic studies, where approximately 86 per cent of participants are of European ancestry.
“These risk prediction tools are underestimating risk in some groups, meaning individuals within these groups may not be getting timely access to potentially life-saving healthcare.”
Increasing participant diversity is the first step
“Though past cardiovascular research has led to huge improvements in heart health around the world, historically, women and individuals of non-European ancestry have been under-studied. Therefore, the tools and medical guidelines used by the healthcare system may not be optimal for these groups.
“We want to address this inequity in heart health,” Dr Shah said.
Her research aims to better understand risk factors for heart disease that are unique to women. Being of Indian ancestry herself, Dr Shah has also set up The South Asian Genes and Health in Australia Study to increase representation of Australians of South Asian ancestry in heart disease research.
“Increased diversity in genetic and health research participants will ensure that the research we do today will benefit all Australians equally in the future.”
Keep your heart healthy
