 Cardiovascular diseases, CVDs, are highly prevalent and have been linked to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. However, these factors differ between individuals and populations, leading to varying clinical presentations and progression rates. To better understand the underlying causes of CVDs, it is important to consider both genetic and environmental factors at an individual and ancestral level. This will allow us to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of environmental and lifestyle factors on disease onset and progression. Furthermore, leveraging genetic heterogeneity can help identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention and personalized medicine. This article was authored by Opaemi Sormakhan, Marejo Dibb, Skanda Rajasundaram, and others.