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Polygenic Risk Scores to Identify CVD Risk and Tailor Therapy: Hope or Hype?

  • Coronary Heart Disease (S. Virani and S. Naderi, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Atherosclerosis Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to understand the conceptual basis and implications of polygenic risk scores (PRS) in assessing risk of future coronary artery disease (CAD).

Recent Findings

Genetic information from the USA and beyond has been pooled together to create population-based biobanks, composed of millions of genotyped individuals, which have helped further our understanding of the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and CAD. Contemporary PRS composed of millions of SNPs now serve as the gold standard and have been evaluated in several cohort studies to predict risk of CAD and potentially help guide pharmacotherapy.

Summary

The development of PRS has enhanced our understanding of the relationship between genes and disease, thereby facilitating CAD risk prediction. While certain constraints currently limit their utility in clinical practice, further refinement of this tool will enable clinicians to more fully understand genetic risk and improve preventive care.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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  1. Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Section on Cardiovascular Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

    Charles A. German & Michael D. Shapiro

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Dr. German has no relevant disclosures. Dr. Shapiro reports the following Scientific Advisory Board activities: Alexion, Amgen, Esperion, Novartis, and Inozyme.

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German, C.A., Shapiro, M.D. Polygenic Risk Scores to Identify CVD Risk and Tailor Therapy: Hope or Hype?. Curr Atheroscler Rep 23, 47 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-021-00950-3

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