Using Genomics to Develop Personalized Cardiovascular Treatments

Abstract

Advances in genomic technologies have significantly enhanced our understanding of both monogenic and polygenic etiologies of cardiovascular disease. In this review, we explore how the utilization of genomic information is bringing personalized medicine approaches to the forefront of cardiovascular disease management. We describe how genomic data can resolve diagnostic uncertainty, support cascade screening, and inform treatment strategies. We discuss how genome-wide association studies have identified thousands of genetic variants associated with polygenic cardiovascular diseases, and how integrating these insights into polygenic risk scores can enhance personalized risk prediction beyond traditional clinical algorithms. We detail how pharmacogenomics approaches leverage genotype information to guide drug selection and mitigate adverse events. Finally, we present the paradigm-shifting approach of gene therapy, which holds the promise of being a curative intervention for cardiovascular conditions.

Keywords: cardiovascular diseases; genetic risk score; genetic therapy; genome-wide association study; pharmacogenomics.