Correlation of premature coronary artery disease in parents with dyslipidemia in their children

Background and Objective : Recognition and modification of risk factors of coronary artery disease (CAD) has obtained great attention. Early recognition of the risk factors, especially in youth, may decrease incidence and complications of CAD. Dyslipidemia is a risk factor of CAD. We studied the correlation of dyslipidemia in parents and their children. 

Material and methods:In a cross sectional study, 312 patients , all younger than 55, were evaluated. These patients underwent coronary angiography in Imam Ali hospital during the year 1380. According to the angiographic findings, the patients were divided into coronary and non-coronary groups. Fasting blood samples were obtained from patients, their spouses, and their children to determine the serum levels of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglyceride. Statistical analysis was done using t test and
χ²  test.

Results: Compared with the children of the non-coronary patients,  LDL was significantly higher in the children of the coronary patients (p<0.014). No significant difference was found in other lipids among the children. Mixed results were obtained when comparing  various age groups in children. There was a significant correlation between serum LDL of the spouses of the coronary patients and their children (p<0.032).  Mixed results were obtained when comparing the correlation of  other lipids  in various age groups of spouses and children.

Discussion:  Compared with previous reports, we found abnormally high serum lipid levels in the children of the coronary patients. There is a significant correlation between the parents' CAD and their children's dyslipidemia, especially children of younger than 12. There is no simple, linear correlation between risk factors of CAD in parents and their children. Considering the possible influence of genetic  factors, we suggest that more studies should be done on this subject.