Scientists have found 13 new gene variants that increase a person's risk of developing heart disease, the world's No 1 killer, in a series of large-scale international genetic studies.

The discovery of 13 previously unknown gene variations and the confirmation of about 10 more should offer clues about how heart ailments, such as coronary artery disease, develop, and lead to new and more effective treatments, the researchers say.

The findings also suggest it may be worth mapping someone's profile of genetic variants for heart problems as part of routine clinical care in the future, with an eye to being able to offer more personalized prevention or treatment plans.