[Molecular genetics of myocardial infarction].

The incidence of atherosclerosis is very high and the typical risk factors such as lipids, blood pressure, smoking, dietary habits and lifestyle in general have an 80% share in its development. Heredity also has a significant share and genome-related information has been given growing attention in recent years. A number of links between polymorphisms found at certain gene positions and the probability of acute myocardial infarction at a young age have been currently described. Cross-sectional studies have been focused on the identification of particular genotypes and alleles which can be responsible for early development of atherosclerosis and acute myocardial infarction. The article summarises some of the knowledge acquired so far in the field of genetic makeup of patients with acute myocardial infarction.