Story perspectives

New Genetic Test Enhances Heart Disease Risk Prediction

10/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study of 353,000 patients found that adding a polygenic risk score (PRS) for coronary artery disease to traditional biomarkers improves cardiovascular risk prediction.
The research identified a variant in the IL6R gene linked to inflammation in atherosclerosis, suggesting personalized prevention potential.
Arman Qamar, senior author, said knowing one’s genetic risk can change health outcomes.
The PRS test costs $200–$250 and could identify high-risk individuals early to prevent heart attacks.

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Story summary

A study of 353,000 patients found that adding a polygenic risk score (PRS) for coronary artery disease to traditional biomarkers improves cardiovascular risk prediction.
The research identified a variant in the IL6R gene linked to inflammation in atherosclerosis, suggesting personalized prevention potential.
Arman Qamar, senior author, said knowing one’s genetic risk can change health outcomes.
The PRS test costs $200–$250 and could identify high-risk individuals early to prevent heart attacks.