Table 2.
Genetic and environmental risk factors for coronary heart disease
| Risk factors with a significant genetic component (heritability) |
| Elevated LDL and VLDL cholesterol (40%-60%) |
| Low HDL cholesterol (45%-75%) |
| Elevated triglycerides (40%-80%) |
| Increased body mass index (25%-60%) |
| Elevated systolic blood pressure (50%-70%) |
| Elevated diastolic blood pressure (50%-65%) |
| Elevated lipoprotein(a) levels (90%) |
| Elevated homocysteine levels (45%) |
| Type 2 diabetes mellitus (40%-80%) |
| Elevated fibrinogen (20%-50%) |
| Elevated C-reactive protein (40%) |
| Elevated homocysteine levels (45%) |
| Gender |
| Age |
| Family history |
| Environmental risk factors |
| Smoking |
| Diet |
| Exercise |
| Infection |
| Foetal environment |
| Air pollution (particulates) |
Risk factors for coronary heart disease can be subdivided into those that are determined significantly by genetic differences and those that are largely environmental (Based on Lusis et al[58] 2004). VLDL: Very low density lipoprotein; LDL: Low density lipoprotein; HDL: High density lipoprotein.