British Scientists: Genetic Variant Associated to Risk of Stroke and Heart Attack

British scientists have identified a genetic variant associated with an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. 

The findings published in the American scientific journal PLOS ONE, suggest a new genetic link caused by a variation in a protein known as 'glycoprotein IIIa'.

The genetic variant is found in platelets, a type of blood cell involved in the formation of blood clots.  

According to researchers at King's College London, their study represents the first large-scale meta-analysis of the literature, including over 50,000 participants from a combined total of 82 studies. 

They found that carrying the PlA2 genetic variant of glycoprotein IIIa is associated with an increased risk of stroke caused by blood clot.

This equated to a higher risk of around 10-15 per cent. 

Experts said, these findings may, in future, allow clinicians to identify patients who are at particularly high risk of stroke or heart attack by looking for the genetic variant.

Source: XINHUANEWS