The use of pharmacogenetics test can reveal some information on which blood thinner is most appropriate when attempting to open narrowed blood vessels. In a recent article in the American Heart Association journal, some researchers observed that pharmacogenetic testing resulted in significantly fewer complications among patients.

LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH

In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death, while stroke is the 5th leading cause of death. It is interesting to learn that one of the significant contributors to these cardiovascular diseases is a clogged blood vessel which is also known as atherosclerosis. This health condition occurs when there is an accumulation of fatty deposits or plaque. Arteriosclerosis can be treated via a simple surgical procedure called angioplasty. During this procedure, the doctor inserts a small, medical balloon into the damaged blood vessels. After that, the doctor inflates and removes the balloon. The doctor can also use small tubes or stents to hold open the blood vessels. The doctor often requests that the patient take multiple blood thinners to prevent further damage to the blood vessels. Commonly prescribed blood thinners include clopidogrel and aspirin, which are often prescribed after the doctor inserts the stent.

EFFECTIVENESS OF CLOPIDOGREL AMONG PEOPLE

Research has shown that clopidogrel is less effective in patients who have the mutation on a specific gene  called CYP2C19, than in patients without the mutations. The study results indicated that genetic testing for CYP2C19 mutations could be used in selecting the most appropriate blood-thinner treatment after stent placement. Also, patients who have this mutation and received one or two clopidogrel alternatives compared to clopidogrel were more than three times less likely to die or have a heart attack, stroke or other major complications one year after treatment.

It is worthy of note that major complications occurred among 27 percent of patients with the genetic mutations who took clopidogrel. On the other hand, major complications occurred in only 8% of patients with the mutations who received other medications. These findings are similar to the results of an earlier, multicenter study that observed that the risk of a significant cardiovascular event more than doubled in patients with the CYP2C19 mutations who took clopidogrel. In summary, Dr. Craig Lee of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy advises clinicians and patients of the increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events associated with the use of clopidogrel in patients receiving stents and who carry either one or two copies of the CYPC19 mutation.

HOW SOME CARDIOLOGISTS USE CLOPIDOGREL

Currently, many cardiologists such as Dr. George Stouffer require CYP2C19 pharmacogenetic testing before deciding which drug to prescribe to patients who need angioplasty or blood thinners. We are privileged to have an FDA-certified pharmacogenomics panel that can test for 200 genes and over 300 drugs. This result of this pharmacogenomic test is for a lifetime because your genetic code does not change through life. Click here to receive a FREE guide on steps that can help you.