The genetic basis of peripheral arterial disease: current knowledge, challenges, and future directions.

ABSTRACT: Several risk factors for atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease (PAD), such as dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, are heritable. However, predisposition to PAD may be influenced by genetic variants acting independently of these risk factors. Identification of such genetic variants will provide insights into underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms and facilitate the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. In contrast to coronary heart disease, relatively few genetic variants that influence susceptibility to PAD have been discovered. This may be, in part, because of greater clinical and genetic heterogeneity in PAD. In this review, we (1) provide an update on the current state of knowledge about the genetic basis of PAD, including results of family stu

SUBMITTER: Kullo IJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4410432 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature