The application of molecular genetic testing in cardiovascular diseases

Background and aim: Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading cause of death worldwide. Official report from ministry of health and education in Iran demonstrated ۳۳ to ۳۹% of deaths in the country are due to cardiovascular diseases which is among the highest rate in the world. According to this report, about ۳۰۰ Iranians die every day because of heart complications. Even though in recent years there has been significant progress in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases, but due to their complex pathobiology the rate of complications and death are still high.Methods: In Cardiogenetic Research Center of Shaheed Rajaie cardiovascular, Medical and Research center as one of the referral center for cardiovascular diseases, we focused our projects on the finding of genetic basis of some cardiovascular diseases such as pre-mature coronary artery disease, familial hypercholesterolemia, atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathies in Iranian population.Results: Our preliminary results demonstrated the high degree of genetic heterogeneity and wide spectrum of mutations in Iranian population compared to other population which still need to be more investigated.Conclusion: Target molecular genetic screening of individuals suffering from familial hypercholesterolemia, atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathies is an effective strategy to prevent such cardiovascular diseases in early onset ages and in addition help cardiologists to improve the management of the disease by providing more precise diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Keywords:

cardiovascular diseases , cardiomyopathy , atrial fibrillation , pre-mature CAD , Familial hypercholesterolemia , Molecular genetic testing