Institute for Cardiogenetics – unravelling the genetics of cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global killer, but little is known about the exact causes. The Institute for Cardiogenetics aims to understand the genetics of cardiovascular disease

In this booklet, the Institute for Cardiogenetics outlines its aims and objectives, as well as providing an insight into the various conditions which can help in understanding the genetics of cardiovascular disease.

What is the aim of the Institute for Cardiogenetics?

Launched in 2004 and situated in the University of Lübeck, Germany, the Institute for Cardiogenetics aims to provide a better insight into the pathobiology of coronary artery disease (CAD) by exposing novel genes and their contributing effects. CAD is a polygenic disease which is driven by complex genetic disruption involving many genes.

Within the booklet, the Institute for Cardiogenetics discusses the various risk factors involved in the development of CAD, particularly the risk factors in the family. They say that a positive family history is one of the strongest cardiovascular risk factors.

What is CVD?

New research is always being produced in order to help understand what the exact causes of CVD actually are. In the booklet, Health Europa also takes a look into the condition and how it impacts global healthcare.

There are four types of CVD:

• Coronary heart disease;
• Strokes and transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs);
• Peripheral arterial disease; and
• Aortic diseases.

There is no definitively known cause for the condition; however, there are a number of risk factors involved in its enhanced development, which include:

• High blood pressure;
• Smoking;
• High cholesterol; and
• Diabetes.

How is CVD being tackled?

To help combat the ever growing issue of CVD, organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) are working to develop prevention programmes, such as the Global Hearts Initiative launched in 2016 by the WHO and the United States Centers for Disease and Prevention (US CDC).

In this section of the booklet, the Global Hearts Initiative is explained in more detail and provides a great insight into the developments being made to help create a better understanding of the evolution of cardiovascular disease.