The K allele of the R219K variant was significantly more frequent in FH subjects without premature CHD (0.32, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.37) than in FH subjects with premature CHD (0.25, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.29) (p<0.05), suggesting that the genetic variant R219K in ABCA1 could influence the development and progression of atherosclerosis in FH subjects.
The R219K polymorphism in the ATP-binding cassette transporter 1 gene ( ABCA1) has been associated with reduced severity of atherosclerosis, fewer coronary events, decreased triglycerides and a trend to increased HDL in men with coronary heart disease (CHD).