Case Study: Multifactorial Inheritance of Heart Disease

Curriculum Link > Biology 12

Protein Synthesis

• Explain how mutations in DNA affect protein synthesis

Circulatory System

• Analyze the relationship between heart rate and blood pressure

What is the case study about?
In this case study, students will learn about the genetic and environmental links to heart disease.  Students will analyze a family’s pedigree to look for a pattern of inheritance of heart disease as well as noting the potential that the environment has on the onset of heart disease.

Using the case study in the classroom

• This case study requires background knowledge of pedigrees, genetic mutations and the environmental causes of heart disease.
• This case study can be used to enrich the Biology 12 curriculum.  It can also be used with the IB (International Baccalaureate) and AP (Advanced Placement) Biology curricula.
• Students can complete the case study independently.  This could be carried out as a classroom or homework activity.
• Students can also work in pairs to complete their case study.  
  • Note: If you are planning to have students complete other case studies found on this website, you can always assign student pairs different cases.  This will allow student pairs to focus on their own case study and then learn about the other cases when they are presented by their peers.
• This case study could also be used as a preview activity for a larger project.
  • For example, students may do a research project on the multifactorial inheritance of heart disease or another illness, such as cancer.

• Student worksheet
• Teacher key and notes

Helpful Links

• For general information on heart health, visit the Heart and Stroke’s website. Go to www.heartandstroke.bc.ca/site/c.kpIPKXOyFmG/b.3644309/k.F84D/Heart_Disease_Stroke_and_Healthy_Living.htm for more information.
• For detailed information on the multifactorial inheritance of heart disease, you can visit the Scitable website. Go to www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/multifactorial-inheritance-and-genetic-disease-919 to read an article on multifactorial inheritance and genetic diseases.