Pharmacogenetic testing offers valuable insights into determining the most suitable blood thinner for patients undergoing treatment to open narrowed blood vessels. A recent study published in the American Heart Association journal highlights how pharmacogenetic testing significantly reduces complications in patients.

Cardiovascular Disease: A Leading Cause of Death

In the United States, heart disease ranks as the leading cause of death, with stroke coming in fifth. A major contributor to these conditions is the blockage of blood vessels, known as atherosclerosis. This occurs due to the buildup of fatty deposits or plaque in the arteries.

Fortunately, a minimally invasive procedure called angioplasty can treat atherosclerosis. During angioplasty, a small medical balloon is inserted into the affected blood vessel, inflated, and then removed. In some cases, small tubes called stents are placed to keep the blood vessels open. Afterward, doctors often prescribe blood thinners, such as clopidogrel and aspirin, to prevent further complications. These medications are particularly common following stent placement.

The Role of Genetics in Clopidogrel Effectiveness

Research reveals that clopidogrel may be less effective in patients with mutations in the CYP2C19 gene compared to those without the mutation. A recent study found that genetic testing for CYP2C19 mutations can guide the selection of more effective blood-thinner treatments following stent placement.

The study showed that patients with the CYP2C19 mutation who received alternative medications instead of clopidogrel were over three times less likely to experience major complications—including death, heart attack, or stroke—within a year of treatment. Among those taking clopidogrel, 27% of patients with the mutation suffered significant complications, compared to only 8% of those who received alternative treatments.

These findings are consistent with earlier research, which revealed that the risk of major cardiovascular events more than doubled for CYP2C19 mutation carriers who used clopidogrel. Dr. Craig Lee, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Eshelman School of Pharmacy, emphasizes the increased risk associated with clopidogrel use in patients with this genetic mutation.

How Cardiologists Incorporate Genetic Testing

Many cardiologists, including Dr. George Stouffer, now require CYP2C19 pharmacogenetic testing before prescribing blood thinners or performing angioplasty. This approach ensures that patients receive the most effective treatment tailored to their genetic profile.

Fortunately, FDA-approved pharmacogenomic panels are available, capable of testing for over 200 genes and their interactions with more than 300 medications. Importantly, the results of pharmacogenomic tests are valid for a lifetime, as your genetic code remains unchanged.

For a comprehensive guide on how to benefit from pharmacogenomic testing, click here to get started.