Genome-wide association studies in myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease

Myocardial infarction (MI) and its major determinant, coronary artery disease (CAD), are complex diseases arising from the interaction between several genetic and environmental factors. Until recently, the genetic basis of these diseases was poorly understood. Genome-wide genetic association studies have afforded a comprehensive insight into the association between genetic variants and diseases. To date, seven genome-wide association studies have been conducted in CAD/MI, identifying thirteen genomic regions at which common genetic variants influence the predisposition to these diseases. This review article summarizes the progress achieved in the genetic basis of MI and CAD by means of genome-wide association studies and the potential clinical applications of these findings.