A world-first genetic study on heart disease prevention kicks off in Estonia

Starting today, 25 March, the Estonian Biobank will invite selected gene donors to participate in an extensive heart health research study. The study aims to determine whether heart disease can be more effectively prevented with cholesterol-lowering treatment based on genetic risk assessment.

This study is the first of its kind globally, and its findings could soon enable people to receive personalised genetic risk-based treatment to maintain their heart health. The study is highly relevant worldwide, as cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality, according to the World Health Organization. Researchers will investigate whether preventive treatment based on genetic risk is more effective in preventing heart disease than current treatment practices.

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It is known that individuals with a high genetic risk are more likely to develop heart disease, and that they experience it earlier than those with a lower genetic risk. "The difference is significant – individuals with a high genetic risk have a 91% higher chance of developing heart disease," explained Dr Margus Viigimaa, a cardiologist at North Estonia Medical Centre and one of the study's lead researchers

Dr Viigimaa also pointed out that statin therapy, which is considered one of the most effective methods for heart disease prevention, is used nearly four times less frequently in Estonia than in the Nordic countries, where heart disease incidence is significantly lower. The research team of scientists and medical professionals believes that preventive statin therapy could help reduce heart disease cases. The safety and efficacy of statins have been confirmed through long-term studies and over 35 years of clinical use.

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To establish preventive statin therapy as a standard practice for individuals with a high genetic risk of heart disease, its effectiveness must be clinically tested. "Estonia is an excellent location for such a study, as a significant portion of our population are gene donors," said Mikk Jürisson, Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Tartu and the study’s principal investigator. "Every gene donor’s contribution is crucial. In addition to advancing scientific research, each participant will receive valuable insights into their health."

The study will include 2,500 Estonian gene donors aged 45–80 who meet the genetic risk criteria for heart disease. The five-year study will be conducted by the University of Tartu, Tartu University Hospital, and North Estonia Medical Centre in collaboration with the Estonian Society of Family Doctors, pharmacies and Synlab . The study is part of the TeamPerMed project, which is working to advance the implementation of precision medicine in Estonia by integrating clinical practice, genomics, IT, social sciences, and economics.