Researchers have identified a genetic variation in some people that appears to reduce their chances of a heart attack or stroke — even in those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other risky conditions. It is unclear how common the variation is, and some experts said it too soon to say whether routine screening for it would be worthwhile. Other gene variants have been linked with an increased risk for heart attacks and premature heart disease. In patients with heart-endangering conditions including high blood pressure and high cholesterol, those with the newly identified gene variant face up to a 67 percent reduced risk of having a heart attack or stroke, the researchers said.
