Gene gives smokers increased heart attack risk

A gene variation that increases the risk of heart attacks in smokers has been identified by researchers from St Bartholomew's Hospital and University College, London. The eight-year study was funded by the British Heart Foundation and involved over 3000 men aged between 50 and 61. It has found that men who smoke and carry the variation of the gene, ApoE4, have up to a fourfold risk of having a heart attack than non-smokers.

The ApoE4 gene variation is carried by approximately one in four people. The research suggests that it causes levels of blood cholesterol to increase, and artery blockages to develop faster.

The study also showed that ex-smokers with the gene had a similar risk level than those with the gene who had never smoked. This suggests the effects might be reversible. But although the research may lead to the development of new treatments, the scientists warn that this would be no substitute for giving up smoking. The medical director of the British Heart Foundation, Professor Charles George, warned that 'the message remains the same - smoking is harmful and it is particularly harmful if you carry this genetic defect'.