Gene variant’s role in cardiac events after stent procedure

Blood clots that form in the blood vessels around the heart can cause a heart attack. They often happen in people who have stents. Stents prop open blocked arteries. Stents are inserted during a procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this project, researchers are studying different versions of a gene involved in blood clotting. This gene codes for a protein on the surface of cells lining the blood vessels. It is also found on platelets, the tiny pieces of cells that make up part of the clot. A recent study found that men with one version of this gene had lower risk of blood clots. This gene version is also linked to heart disease. Using BioVU samples, the researchers are looking at this gene in patients with acute coronary events after receiving stents. These events include angina, heart attacks, or death. The results could show which patients are more likely to have blood clots and cardiac events after PCI. Doctors could then give these patients higher doses of drugs to prevent clotting. This could ultimately help patients with stents live longer and have fewer side effects from stents.