Figure 6.

Genomic loci associated with atherosclerosis. Loci identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) can have different effects on low-density lipoprotein (LDL). On the left are shown selected GWAS loci associated with LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, several of which are associated with atherosclerosis events and are incorporated in predictive risk scores. Many have also been independently validated in Mendelian randomization studies and in studies of rare families. Some are proven drug targets to reduce clinical events. On the right are shown loci that do not primarily affect LDL-C levels, but may instead underlie qualitative changes in either the particle itself or in the vessel wall to locally promote atherogenesis.