Recent research has revealed that presence of a common genetic variation in young heart attack survivors increases their risk to die or have a serious heart problem while taking the blood thinner Plavix. Research team added that this drug was less effective for these people and also raised the risk of blood clots for those carrying the genetic change that had heart stents implanted.

Gilles Montalescot of Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital in Paris and colleagues studied a gene known as CYP2C19 which plays a key role in determining how individuals metabolize commonly prescribed drugs, including treatment for depression, heart disease, high blood pressure and hyperactivity.

Researchers followed 259 men and women younger than 45 years old who survived a heart attack and were on the drug known generically as clopidogrel for just over a year.

Data analysis revealed that the genetic variation appeared to increase the risk of complications and premature death compared to people without the change.