Identifying people at risk of developing blood clot and heart attack may have become simpler, thanks to the following discovery. Experts from the Leicester and Cambridge Universities have apparently found genetic markers for distinguishing individuals under a threat of life-threatening clot formation and heart attack. The findings can possibly aid in detecting and treating coronary heart disease.
Scientists laid hands on new genes which supposedly control platelets that stick together and form a blood clot. Analyzing why these cells are comparatively sticky in some people can help introduce promising therapeutic targets to treat cardiovascular disease. It is known that platelet activity and clot formation differ among people. During the research a unique molecule playing a vital role in platelets appeared.
Researchers claim that platelet activity and clot formation is different in individuals due to genetic reasons. Investigations affirm that genetic differences in the gene for this protein slightly alter risk of developing blood clots. Professor Alison Goodall, from the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at the University of Leicester and the lead investigator, and colleagues believe that the research can aid to reveal why certain people have greater chance of a heart attack than others.
The research was published on 25 November in the journal Blood.