A study conducted by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) stated that mutation in the gene, Myosin Binding Protein-C (MYBPC3), can cause heart attacks leading to sudden death.

Although there are many causes of heart attack, some are also linked to genetic disorders or lifestyle, said Dr Lalji Singh, Director of CCMB who conducted the research told reporters here.

The research was conducted by Singh and K Thangaraj.

"So far, 20 genes that are implicated in cardiac disease have been identified," Singh said.

A 25-base pair deletion within the gene that generates the MYBPC protein was significantly more frequent in cardiac patients as compared to normal individuals, he said.

"Every individual has two copies of gene. In case if both are found defective, that is homozygous, then such patients die at an early age whereas if a single gene is found defective in an individual, also known as heterozygous, then they can live upto 45 years," the doctor said.

The scientists claim that the research conducted also helps in detecting the foetus of a pregnant woman.

"If found that the foetus carried two copies of defective genes, it can be aborted after genetic counselling," they claim.