Absence of Association or Genetic Linkage between the Angiotensin-Converting–Enzyme Gene and Left Ventricular Mass

Background Homozygous carriers of the D allele of the angiotensin-converting–enzyme (ACE) gene have been reported to be at increased risk for various cardiovascular disorders, including left ventricular hypertrophy. We investigated the potential role of the ACE gene in influencing left ventricular mass. Methods Quantitative echocardiographic data and DNA samples were available for 2439 subjects from the Framingham Heart Study. ACE genotypes were determined by an assay based on the polymerase chain reaction. (The D allele of the ACE gene contains a deletion, whereas the I [insertion] allele does not.) Left ventricular mass and the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy, adjusted for clinical covariates, were analyzed according to genotype. Genetic linkage between the ACE locus and left ventricular mass was evaluated by quantitative analysis of pairs of siblings. Results The ACE genotype was associated neither with left ventricular mass nor with the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy. Mean (±SE)...