Understanding the Genetic Basis of Atherosclerosis and Peripheral Arterial Disease

Plaque build-up caused by atherosclerosis increases the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. Blockages of plaque can occur in different areas of the body. PAD, a circulatory disorder in which blockages occur in the peripheral arteries, is one manifestation of atherosclerosis. Individuals with PAD experience reduced blood flow to the legs, which may cause leg pain while walking. Coronary artery disease (CAD), in which plaque builds up in arteries leading to the heart, is another atherosclerosis-related condition. Individuals with PAD and CAD have similar atherosclerosis risk factors, but it remains unknown why some individuals develop one disease and not the other. Genetic differences may influence where atherosclerosis develops. The goal of the study is to identify genetic variations that may cause inherited differences in plaque distribution. This study will enroll individuals with PAD who have been referred by their doctor for a coronary angiogram to confirm the presence of CAD. A control group composed of individuals who do not have PAD, but have similar risk factors for atherosclerosis, will also be enrolled. All participants will attend one study visit. They will undergo a coronary angiogram, a procedure in which a special dye is inserted intravenously into an artery of the heart. X-rays will be taken to document how blood flows through the artery. Questionnaires assessing quality of life, exercise habits, tobacco exposure, and family medical history will be completed. Participants will also undergo blood pressure measurements and blood collection for genetic analysis. Yearly follow-up phone calls will occur for 5 years to document any hospitalizations.