Summary

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) are useful for comparing regions of the genome between cohorts with and without a particular disease. There are six diseases that have an extensive genomic definition: type 2 diabetes, Crohn's disease, breast cancer, age-related macular degeneration, prostate cancer, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Of particular interest to cardiologists, SNPs have been defined for myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, lipoprotein disorders, and hypercholesterolemia.