Genetic factors in abnormal blood clotting and cardiovascular events

When we are injured, blood clots help stop the bleeding. This helps wounds begin to heal. But sometimes, the blood can clot too much or too easily. Blood clots can get stuck in blood vessels and cause strokes, heart attacks, or other serious conditions. Prostaglandins are compounds made naturally by the body. They are involved in blood clotting. One type of prostaglandin promotes blood clots in mice. But in humans, it can have a wide range of effects. In some people, it increases blood clotting. In others, it has no effect on blood clotting. Researchers think these different responses may be due the genes for prostaglandin receptors. These are proteins in our cells that bind to these compounds. In this project, researchers are looking for differences in these genes that might explain why people react so differently. They will also see if these gene differences are linked to heart attacks and other cardiovascular events