Genetic markers for trait anxiety as the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (WHO-MONICA Program and MONICA-Psychosocial Subprogram)

Abstract

Anxiety is considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The objectives of 
the study were to determine trait anxiety prevalence; to find associations between trait anxiety and 
VNTR polymorphisms in the DRD4 and DAT genes; and to calculate relative risks (RR) for developing 
arterial hypertension (AH), myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke. Representative sample of 25 to 64
year-old males (n = 2149) was examined in three screening studies in a framework of the WHO MONICA 
program and MONICA-psychosocial subprogram in Novosibirsk in 1984, 1988, and 1994. All first time 
MI, AH, and stroke events were registered. Genotyping of VNTR polymorphism was performed for DRD4 
and DAT genes. Anxiety levels were evaluated by Spielberger’s test. Stratified cox proportional 
regression model was used for RR estimation. High level of anxiety (HLA) was 50.9%. The DRD4 
genotype 4/6 and DAT genotype 9/9 were significantly associated with HLA increasing CVD risk. Stroke 
and AH risks were maximal during the first five years, whereas maximal MI risk was found for 10-year 
period. Prevalence of HLA in Novosibirsk was high. Rates of HLA were significantly associated with 
certain VNTR polymorphisms in the DRD4 and DAT genes. High levels of anxiety were associated with 
increased CVD risk.