Is Coronary Artery Disease Genetic?
Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. It is the leading cause of heart attacks and the most common type of heart disease worldwide.
Affects ~1 in 16 adults.
Genetic Factors Behind Coronary Artery Disease
Research has identified multiple genetic variants that influence a person's susceptibility to Coronary Artery Disease. While no single gene determines whether someone will develop this condition, specific variants can increase or decrease risk. Key genes studied in relation to Coronary Artery Disease include:
9p21.3PCSK9SORT1LPA9p21.39p21.3 has been associated with coronary artery disease in genetic studies; as with most common variants, its individual effect is modest and works alongside many other genetic and non-genetic factors.
PCSK9PCSK9 has been associated with coronary artery disease in genetic studies; as with most common variants, its individual effect is modest and works alongside many other genetic and non-genetic factors.
SORT1SORT1 has been associated with coronary artery disease in genetic studies; as with most common variants, its individual effect is modest and works alongside many other genetic and non-genetic factors.
LPALPA has been associated with coronary artery disease in genetic studies; as with most common variants, its individual effect is modest and works alongside many other genetic and non-genetic factors.
How GenomeInsight Analyzes Your Risk
GenomeInsight examines your raw DNA data from services like 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or whole-genome sequencing (VCF files) to identify genetic variants associated with Coronary Artery Disease. The analysis is performed entirely in your browser, meaning your genetic data never leaves your device.
For each relevant variant, GenomeInsight reports your genotype, the associated risk allele, the odds ratio from published research, and your overall risk profile compared to the general population. Results are presented with easy-to-understand risk visualizations and percentile rankings.
Genetic risk is only one piece of the puzzle. Lifestyle, diet, environment, and family history all contribute to overall risk. GenomeInsight's analysis is for informational and educational purposes and is not a medical diagnosis.
Understanding Your Coronary Artery Disease Results
After uploading your DNA file, you will receive a detailed health risk report covering 52 conditions, including Coronary Artery Disease. For each condition, GenomeInsight analyzes multiple SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and calculates a combined risk assessment.
Your results will show whether you carry risk-increasing or protective alleles in genes like 9p21.3, PCSK9, SORT1, and LPA. Risk levels range from "Below Average" to "Significantly Increased," with population percentile comparisons to contextualize your results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coronary Artery Disease
Which genes are linked to Coronary Artery Disease?
The variants most consistently associated with Coronary Artery Disease lie in or near 9p21.3, PCSK9, SORT1, LPA. Each variant shifts risk modestly on its own; the report combines all of them into an overall genetic risk estimate compared with the reference population.
If I carry risk variants, will I develop Coronary Artery Disease?
Not necessarily. A genetic predisposition means your probability is higher than average — it is not a diagnosis. Lifestyle, environment, age and chance all contribute, and most people with elevated genetic risk never develop the condition. Conversely, low genetic risk is not a guarantee of protection.
What DNA data do I need for this analysis?
A raw-data file from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage or a whole-genome VCF covers the markers used in this analysis. Upload takes place entirely in your browser — your file is never transmitted to or stored on any server.
Related Conditions That Share These Genes
Variants in the same genes often influence more than one condition. These conditions overlap genetically with Coronary Artery Disease:
Sources & Further Reading
The risk associations described on this page come from published genome-wide association studies and curated public genomic databases. Explore the primary sources for each gene:
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See how your genetics relate to Coronary Artery Disease - upload your data for a personalized analysis.
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Discover Your Coronary Artery Disease Risk Profile
Upload your 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or VCF file for a free, privacy-first genetic analysis covering Coronary Artery Disease and 51 other health conditions.
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