Why the study?
Genetics strongly influence calcified atherosclerotic plaques, but data regarding the heritability of noncalcified plaque volume are scarce.
What is the relative contribution of genetic versus environmental factors to noncalcified and calcified coronary plaque volumes in adults without known coronary artery disease?
Population
196 adult twins without known coronary artery disease
Comparison
120 monozygotic vs 76 same-gender dizygotic twin pairs
Design
Prospective classical twin study
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Hypothesis-generating for lifestyle targeting of high-risk plaque; leaves open whether environmental modification reduces coronary events.
What is the relative contribution of genetic versus environmental factors to noncalcified and calcified coronary plaque volumes in adults without known coronary artery disease?
Noncalcified coronary plaque volume is primarily driven by environmental factors, highlighting the importance of early lifestyle interventions, whereas calcified plaque volume is strongly genetically determined.
A 2022 study studied this question.
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