Do women have a heart disease gene?

Heart disease is the biggest killer of Australian women and now scientists have discovered that some women may be more susceptible to the illness.

Research published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics has revealed that women who have a particular version of the BCAR1 gene were more likely than other women to have heart attacks and strokes.

During the study scientists from University College London gathered data of nearly 4000 men and women from five European research projects. They compared markers including their genes, the health of blood vessels and thickness of key arteries. Experts were able to identify a particular gene linked to a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes and diseased blood vessels in women.

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So how does this gene increase the risk in women? There’s more research to be done but researchers have hypothesised that the gene, when combined with oestrogen could lead to a higher heart disease risk. They also suggest that the gene may cause a mass migration of cells into the walls of blood vessels, which makes them thicker – increasing the chance of blockages.

“We’ve known for a long time that risk factos for heart disease are different for men and women,” lead study author Freya Boardman-Pretty said. “This gene effect seen only in women, could be contributing to this difference, although we expect there are lots of other factors at play.”

It’s the latest piece of research looking at how men and women’s hearts work different. Earlier this week another study highlighted how men and women’s hearts age differently, providing insight into treating heart disease.

However in this instance, more research needs to be completed so experts warn it’s essential to focus on lifestyle factors, not genes, in preventing heart disease.

Regular exercise, a healthy balanced diet, reduced alcohol and quitting smoking are all steps you can take to protect your heart.

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