Genetic Aspects of Cardiovascular Diseases in Animals

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Abstract
Certain differences appear when comparing incidence and types of cardiovascular disease in various species, breeds, strains or families of animals. Separation of hereditary from environmental factors is difficult, however. Zoo animal population studies have revealed changes in the incidence of certain diseases with changing environmental conditions, although species variation in resistance to diet-induced atherosclerosis appears to be genetically determined. Species differences have been reported in arterial blood pressure, variations in cardiac rhythm and occurrence of congenital cardiac anomalies. Specific diseases have a high incidence in certain breeds: Atherosclerosis in specific breeds of pigeons, high arterial pressure in the giraffe and turkey, and congenital heart disease and congestive heart failure in specific breeds of dogs. Familial incidences of various cardiovascular conditions have been reported in cattle, swine, rats, chickens and rabbits. Many observations indicate the importance of inheritance in determining susceptibility to specific types of cardiovascular diseases. Breeding experiments provide the most convincing evidence of genetic influence on the development of specific lesions. This experimental approach holds the greatest promise for furthering knowledge and understanding the role of inheritance in the etiology of diseases of the heart and blood vessels.