The Genetics of Coronary Artery Disease: Insights from Genome-wide Association Studies

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, driven by both environmental and genetic factors. Over the past two decades, our understanding of CAD vulnerability has increased substantially through advancements in genetic investigations. Researchers have extensively examined the genetic basis of CAD through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), identifying numerous loci associated with the disease. The findings have facilitated the early identification of at-risk individuals and the implementation of targeted prevention strategies, while also helping to uncover the pathophysiology of the disease. Despite these advancements, converting genetic discoveries into clinical applications still poses challenges. This review examines the heritable underpinnings of CAD, focusing on the contributions of GWAS to our understanding of the disease. The GWAS methodology, key findings, functional implications, and future prospects are discussed, along with the current status. It highlights how GWAS findings are paving the way for personalized medicine through polygenic risk scores, targeted therapies, and pharmacogenomics-driven interventions for CAD.