Abbreviations: ASA: American Society of Anesthesiology, CAD: coronary artery disease, COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; OSA: obstructive sleep apnea; GERD: gastroesophageal reflux disease, TIA: transient ischemic attack; CVA: cerebrovascular accident, CEA: carotid endarterectomy, CABG: coronary artery bypass graft, ACE: angiotensin-converting enzyme. The gene discussed is ACE; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.