WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Nov. 30 (UPI) -- U.S. medical researchers have started a $10 million, multi-year study to identify genes that might contribute to development of early atherosclerosis.

"If we can identify people in their teens and early adult life who have a genetic predisposition to develop atherosclerosis, we can manage their risk factors for heart disease and stroke sooner and more aggressively," said Dr. David Herrington, professor of cardiology at the Wake Forest University Medical Center and the study's lead investigator.

Other participating institutions are the Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, the University of Texas Health Science Center, and the University of Washington.

Atherosclerosis is the development of fatty deposits in arteries that leads to blood clot formation, angina, heart attack and stroke. Physicians know genetic factors contribute to risk for early atherosclerosis, but the exact genes have never been identified.

"Perhaps the most remarkable thing about this study is the large number of genetic variants that we're going to study," said Herrington, noting the researchers will examine more than 2 million different gene variations.

He said the study will take about five years to complete.