Molecular Determinants of Coronaruy Artery Disease

The purpose of this study is to discover genes that may cause Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
or Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). Many human diseases are inherited or passed from parent
to child in families. These diseases occur because of damage to a gene(s), the genetic
material that is also called DNA. Scientists can now use modern molecular techniques to
locate and to find certain genes within the DNA (genetic material) of a person, and to follow
their inheritance in a family. To find these disease-causing genes requires studies of many
affected with the disease and their family members. The purpose of this study is to locate
and to find the genes for coronary artery disease (CAD) which occurs when one or more of the
arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body develop
blockages; or, arteriovenous malformation (AVM) which causes abnormal vascular connections
between arteries and veins, particularly near the heart. Findings of the genes causing CAD
and AVM will have far-reaching effect on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of coronary
artery disease and arteriovenous malformation. These studies will lead to possible genetic
diagnosis, early detection of persons at risk for developing CAD or AVM (even in the absence
of symptoms), development of effective drugs, more rational and specific therapeutic
interventions, treatments and ultimately, prevention of coronary heart disease. Approximately
3-5 years are required to find one human disease gene.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Males at least 45 years old and premenopausal females at least 50 years old at the
time of onset of any of the following:

- PTCA

- MI

- CABG

- Must have a living sibling meeting the same criteria.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Substance Abuse in the absence of angiographic coronary stenosis

- Congenital Heart Disease