In this proposal, we will use data from the UK BioBank to investigate genomic associations across the spectrum of cardiovascular diseases. We will use existing genomic data to identify clusters of individuals carrying genetic traits that are interpreted to be “high risk” for specific cardiovascular diseases and then investigate the associated phenotypic features of these participants. This strategy, called the “genotype-first” approach, enables us to determine genotype-phenotype associations in a less biased fashion than traditional genetic association studies have allowed. Our research seeks to clarify the full range of health features associated with defined high risk genotypes. Through this work, we will develop novel risk prediction tools to determine if and when an individual with a high risk genotype will develop overt disease, eventually informing on surveillance and therapeutic decisions.
