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Revealed: Gene that causes 'enlarged hearts'
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NewsByte on 08 June, 2008 09:27:11
 
Scientists have identified a gene which can cause the heart to become enlarged,
greatly raising the risk of a heart attack, a finding they claim would help in
developing new treatments for the condition.
Irregular heart growth can be brought on by strenuous exercise, high blood
pressure and obesity, but the role played by genes is largely unknown. Now, an
international team has found a link between enlarged hearts and osteoglycin
gene.
According to the researchers, the study suggests the gene can behave abnormally
in some people and this can lead to the heart becoming enlarged, the Nature
Genetics journal has reported in its latest edition.
At present, lowering blood pressure is the only treatment option available for
the common heart condition.
"Enlarged hearts are very common. But, now that we are unravelling how genes
control heart growth, we can gain a better understanding of common forms of
heart disease. This could lead to new and more effective ways of treating
people," said researcher Stuart Cook of Imperial College London.