Genetics at the heart of disease

Published on 12/10/2012 00:00

A MAJOR study has identified 21 new genetic variants linked to cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.

The novel genes are associated with raised or lowered levels of lipids, fatty substances in the blood that include cholesterol.

More than 180 researchers worldwide analysed genetic data from more than 90,000 individuals of European ancestry.

Previously unknown links with levels of low density ­lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” ­cholesterol, and high density ­lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol were discovered.

The findings were published in the American Journal of Human Genetics.