Genetic Testing

By Paula Dranov

In 2003, researchers at the Cleveland Clinic uncovered a gene responsible for a family history of heart disease. Called MEF2A, the gene was detected by studying the genetic makeup of an Iowa family whose members had been having heart attacks or dying young of heart disease for generations. Since then, researchers have found that mutations of the gene occur among about 2 percent of the population, much more than once believed. Researchers think MEF2A is only one of many heart disease genes. They are continuing to test families with high rates of heart disease to find out if there are more. In fall 2007, screening was limited to families participating in research.