Study Downgrades Gene as Heart Risk Factor

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The new meta-analysis does confirm "what we've known for some time, that APO E is one of the more important genes that determine the risk of heart disease," Rader said. "But it is a great example of why we need federal legislation in terms of protecting people in genetic screening programs."

Positive steps can be taken to reduce the risk of coronary disease for those carrying a gene that increases the risk, Rader said. "But for Alzheimer's, we can do nothing. If you carry E4, you might be subject to discrimination."

Such a screening program involving APO E is highly unlikely now, Di Angelantonio said. "It is too early to speak about assessing coronary risk with genotypes, and this study demonstrates that," he said.

More information

More on heredity as a risk factor for heart disease is provided by the American Heart Association.