K(ATP) channel polymorphism is associated with left ventricular size in hypertensive individuals: a large-scale community-based study.

ATP-sensitive K+ (K(ATP)) channel mutations have been identified in individuals with dilated cardiomyopathy and overt heart failure. Here, a common E23K functional polymorphism in the Kir6.2 channel pore versus cardiac phenotype was studied in a cross-sectional community-based cohort (n = 2,031). The KK genotype was associated with greater left ventricular size among subjects with increased stress load due to hypertension. These findings implicate Kir6.2 K23 as a risk factor for adverse subclinical myocardial remodeling, and underscore the significance of cardiac K(ATP) channels within the population.