Understanding Genetic Risks for Heart Attacks in People with Heart Disease

Genetic Predisposition to Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11248176

This project aims to discover the genetic factors that make some people with heart disease more likely to have a heart attack.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11248176 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many people have coronary artery disease (CAD), but only some experience a heart attack (myocardial infarction, MI). This suggests there are specific genetic reasons why some individuals are more prone to heart attacks. Researchers are looking for unique genes that are strongly linked to heart attacks, separate from the genes that cause CAD itself. They will compare the genetic information of people with CAD who have had a heart attack to those with CAD who have not, building on previous large-scale genetic collaborations. This work seeks to pinpoint these distinct genetic markers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates would be individuals with coronary artery disease, especially those who have or have not experienced a heart attack, who are willing to contribute genetic data.

Not a fit: Patients without coronary artery disease or those not interested in genetic research may not directly benefit from this specific project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to identify individuals at high risk for heart attacks, allowing for more targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous large-scale genetic collaborations have identified several genetic locations associated with heart attacks, providing a foundation for this work.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.