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5htr2c Case Studies

Decent Essays

Using real world data, the research has identified males to be at higher risk for a heart attack in cases where known risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol or obesity are absent. The ratio (1.15:0.88) of 1.3X is in agreement with recent findings3. The work has also identified Hispanics to be at higher risk. The study also concludes that one is likely to find SNP 6318 of gene 5HTR2C in Hispanic males since it causes inability in people to handle stress, leading to surprise heart attacks.
Furthermore, as 5HTR2C codes for a GPCR (G-protein-coupled receptor)18 that binds to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that results in happiness and well-being, it is also likely that those with depression and anxiety may have higher rates of heart attack. Many epidemiological studies have established the comorbidity between depression and heart attacks19; there is a two-fold risk in individuals with depression of developing a cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is recommended to also test individuals diagnosed with mental health issues to be tested for SNP 6318 to reduce risk for heart attacks. …show more content…

i) Determine and compare the gene 5HTR2C sequence and expression between Hispanic males and others who suffered a heart attack but didn’t have any known risk factors. This will provide field evidence to corroborate the findings of this study. ii) Determine other genetic causes leading to higher incidence of heart attacks in Hispanics. As homozygous Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) 158Met allele population is an enzyme that helps inactivate dopamine resulting in poor handling of stress, the target population should be investigated for its occurrence in chromosome 22. iii) Confirm if SNP 6318 is present in those with mental disorders. This may prevent higher incidence of heart attacks in this

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