Researchers Link Gene, Heart Disease

A gene that can more than double the risk of heart disease, especially in relatively young people, is present in about half of those of European descent, researchers say. The discovery, reported this week, raises hopes of more accurate genetic testing for heart disease—the world's leading cause of death—but not for prevention or treatment.

Two competing teams of researchers, working independently, identified the gene. Carrying one copy raises heart-disease risk by as much as 20 percent; for people with two copies, that number can triple. One doctor says she had no idea the other group was ready to go public but is "very happy they came out with the same result." (More health stories.)