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Background Genetic influence on the manifestation of coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI) has been shown previously. From many candidate genes the APOE (apolipoprotein E) with the major alleles ℇ2/ℇ3/ℇ4 is in the focus of interest. Materials and methods In 1817 patients admitted for their first left heart catheterization at a premature age (males < 55 and females < 65) the association of APOE alleles with MI was analysed. Genotyping was done by 5′ exonuclease assay (TaqMan(M)). Results APOE was significantly associated with hypercholesterolaemia (ℇ4 72% vs. ℇ3 66% vs. ℇ2 51%; P < 0·0001), and premature MI (ℇ4 57% vs. ℇ3 50% vs. ℇ2 41%; P < 0·0001; hazard ratio 1·41, 95%CI 1·14–1·75). In patients without hypercholesterolaemia, the APOE allele ℇ4 was highly predictive for the presence of premature MI (ℇ4 55% vs. ℇ3 45% vs. ℇ2 28%; P < 0·0001; hazard ratio 1·75, 95%CI 1·19–2·57). Conclusion The APOEℇ4 allele shows a robust association with premature MI independent of hypercholesterolaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genetic influence on the manifestation of coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI) has been shown previously. From many candidate genes the APOE (apolipoprotein E) with the major alleles epsilon2/epsilon3/epsilon4 is in the focus of interest., Materials and Methods: In 1817 patients admitted for their first left heart catheterization at a premature age (males < 55 and females < 65) the association of APOE alleles with MI was analysed. Genotyping was done by 5' exonuclease assay (TaqMan). RESULTS APOE was significantly associated with hypercholesterolaemia (epsilon4 72% vs. epsilon3 66% vs. epsilon2 51%; P < 0.0001), and premature MI (epsilon4 57% vs. epsilon3 50% vs. epsilon2 41%; P < 0.0001; hazard ratio 1.41, 95%CI 1.14-1.75). In patients without hypercholesterolaemia, the APOE allele epsilon4 was highly predictive for the presence of premature MI (epsilon4 55% vs. epsilon3 45% vs. epsilon2 28%; P < 0.0001; hazard ratio 1.75, 95%CI 1.19-2.57)., Conclusion: The APOEepsilon4 allele shows a robust association with premature MI independent of hypercholesterolaemia.