Genes That Affect Cardiovascular Health

    Cardiovascular disease is the #1 cause of death in Malaysia. Essentially your cardiovascular system delivers oxygen and nutrients to every cell in your body and removes carbon dioxide and waste products. Your blood vessels have to be healthy and free of disease in order to perform this function. You control blood flow by controlling vasoconstriction (narrowing the blood vessels) and vasodilation (widening the blood vessels). Too much vasoconstriction, and the inability to vasodilate, leads to a narrowing of the blood vessels which leads to high blood pressure. Some people are genetically prone to vasoconstriction and are unable to vasodilate effectively.

    Blood flow will also be compromised by the build-up of plaque in the blood vessels, or the blood vessels becoming inelastic and stiff. Some people are genetically prone to plaque build-up and their blood vessels becoming stiff and inelastic. Inflammation and oxidative stress will damage your blood vessels and the lining of your blood vessels (endothelium). When the blood vessels and the endothelium are damaged your blood vessels become stiff and inelastic and prone to plaque build-up. Cardiovascular disease is a disease caused by oxidative stress and inflammation.

    High levels of homocysteine in the blood cause oxidative stress and inflammation, and increase the risk of atherosclerosis and blood clotting. Some people genetically are unable to clear homocysteine and it builds up and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

    Homocysteine Metabolism

     

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    MTHFR-1

    Enzyme that converts folic acid to the active form of folate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. Orange and particularly red dot indicate low enzyme activity and decreased levels of the active form of folate.

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    MTHFR-2

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    MTR

    This enzyme donates the methyl group to homocysteine. Orange dot and particularly red dot indicate low enzyme activity which can result in high homocysteine levels.

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    MTRR

    This enzyme keeps the MTR enzyme active. Orange dot and particularly red dot indicate low enzyme activity which can result in high homocysteine levels.

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    COMT

    Enzyme that clears noradrenaline, adrenaline, dopamine and catechol estrogen. This enzyme plays an important role in mental health. Over activity and underactivity of this enzyme both have impact on mental health.

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    CBS

    This enzyme converts homocysteine through to cystathionine. Green dot particularly, and orange dot indicate increased enzyme activity. Red dot indicates normal functioning of the enzyme.

     

    Blood Pressure Regulation

     

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    AGT

    This gene makes angiotensinogen. Orange dot and particularly red dot indicate increased production of angiotensinogen which can result in increased vasoconstriction and high blood pressure.

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    ACE

    This enzyme converts angiotensinogen I to angiotensinogen II. Orange dot and particularly red dot indicate increased conversion which can result in increased vasoconstriction and high blood pressure. Many blood pressure medications are ACE inhibitors.

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    AGTR1

    Indicates activity of the receptor. Orange dot and particularly red dot indicate increased receptor function which can result in increased vasoconstriction and high blood pressure.

     

    Vascular Tone – Advanced Health

     

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    eNOS-2

    This enzyme is involved in nitric oxide production. Orange dot and particularly red dot indicate decreased enzyme activity which can result in decreased production of nitric oxide and a decreased ability to vasodilate, which can result in high blood pressure.

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    NADPH CYBA

    This enzyme produces ROS in the endothelial cells. Orange dot and particularly red dot indicate increased enzyme activity which leads to increased oxidative stress and damage to the blood vessels.

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    PAI-1

    This enzyme is very active in your blood vessels. Orange dot and particularly red dot indicate increased enzyme activity which will increase risk of atherosclerosis, atherothrombosis, metabolic syndrome and abnormal blood lipids.

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    ADIPOQ

    This enzyme suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines, induces anti-inflammatory cytokines and improves response to insulin. Orange dot and particularly red dot indicate decreased production and increased risk of diabetes and atherosclerosis.