In the 1980s, scientists researching genes learned how to insert healthy copies of defective genes into a cell's genetic material. This research is making it possible to treat and cure hereditary disorders. Researchers are speculating that gene therapy can also be used to prevent blood clots that cause heart attacks or stroke.
Atherosclerosis is probably the result of the action of many genes.
As research unravels what genes are involved, we may be able to identify who is vulnerable to heart disease early in childhood and alter the contributing genes.