The Glu298Asp polymorphism in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene is strongly associated with coronary spasm

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES METHODS RESULTSThere was a significantly higher incidence of the Glu298Asp polymorphism in the coronary spasm group than in the control group (21.5% compared with 8.5%, P =0.006). Multiple logistic regression analysis using risk factors and the Glu298Asp polymorphism showed that the most important predictive factor for coronary spasm was the Glu298Asp polymorphism (odds ratio 2.83, 95% confidence interval 1.25-6.41, P = 0.009). The diffuse spasm subgroup had a significantly higher frequency of the Glu298Asp polymorphism than the control group (25.9% compared with 8.5%, P = 0.002). However, the focal spasm subgroup did not differ from the control group in the frequency of Glu298Asp polymorphism. CONCLUSIONThe Glu298Asp polymorphism in the eNOS gene is a definite risk factor for coronary spasm, especially for diffuse coronary spasm. This result supports the notion that diffuse coronary spasm is significantly associated with endothelial dysfunction, in contrast to focal spasm. Coron Artery Dis 14:293-299 © 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.