A recent study conducted by researchers at Karolinska Institutet has uncovered a specific pattern of proteins in the blood that may indicate an increased risk of hereditary atherosclerosis. This research, published in the journal Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine on November 7, 2025, focused on individuals with close relatives who suffered heart attacks at a young age.
The study analyzed blood samples from over 4,000 participants who did not have known heart disease. By investigating the familial history of cardiovascular disease in parents or siblings, the researchers identified a notable pattern among those with a family background of heart issues. They found that 38 different proteins in the blood, many associated with inflammation and fat metabolism, were significantly more prevalent in this group.
Key Findings on Protein Patterns
First author of the study, Agnes Wahrenberg, a researcher at the Department of Clinical Research and Education at Södersjukhuset, stated, “We see that certain proteins, such as follistatin and cathepsin D, are significantly elevated in people with a family history of early-onset coronary heart disease, regardless of traditional risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol.”
The research utilized data from the Swedish population study SCAPIS, where participants underwent comprehensive health examinations, including computed tomography of the coronary arteries. By correlating these findings with the Swedish Multigenerational Register, the team demonstrated that individuals with a family history of early-onset coronary heart disease exhibited more extensive coronary atherosclerosis. This was quantitatively measured by the number of diseased vessel segments in the participants.
Certain proteins were particularly noteworthy, showing a stronger association with the severity of atherosclerosis among individuals at hereditary risk. These include the LDL receptor and PECAM1, a protein crucial for blood vessel function.
Implications for Understanding Heart Disease
The findings suggest a distinct biological pattern linked to hereditary atherosclerotic disease. According to Per Svensson, the last author of the study and an associate professor at the same department, “Our results suggest that there is a specific biological pattern connected to hereditary atherosclerotic disease, which may help to explain why some people are affected despite leading a healthy lifestyle.”
Furthermore, the researchers conducted genetic analyses to explore whether certain proteins might play a direct causal role in the occurrence of heart attacks. Their results indicate that proteins such as follistatin, PCSK9, and PECAM1 may be involved in the development of coronary artery disease, regardless of hereditary factors.
The study, led by Karolinska Institutet, contributes valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying coronary artery disease and emphasizes the importance of understanding genetic predispositions. Funding details and potential conflicts of interest are disclosed in the scientific publication, reinforcing the study’s credibility.
This research marks a significant step forward in identifying biomarkers associated with heart disease, potentially paving the way for improved risk assessment and targeted interventions in individuals with a family history of cardiovascular issues.
