The study was reported in the online issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

 

For the study, researchers led by Eric Boerwinkle from the University of Texas, examined the DNA of about 20,000 participants, 1554 of whom developed stroke.

 

The researchers found two genetic variants on chromosome 12 near two genes that are implicated in stroke. One, called WNK1, is associated with blood pressure control and the other, NINJ2 is linked with brain injury repair. Both genes are strongly linked with ischemic stroke, which is the most common type of stroke and is caused by blocked blood vessels in the brain. Over 150,000 Americans die from stroke every year, making it the third leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease and cancer.

 

Having just one copy of this genetic variation can raise the risk of ischemic strokes by about 30 percent, Boerwinkle said. About 20 percent of whites and 10 percent of blacks have at least one copy of the genetic variant.

 

“This discovery shows and documents that the science we have in place can identify the genes - the several genes -- that are contributing to stroke risk. When those genes are found and combined into a diagnostic test, then individuals can have that test and use it to guide their lifestyle choices,” Boerwinkle said.