By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - It seems that almost every other week there is a new development related to genetic research and new approaches to common health conditions.

Many of these developments have been related to various forms of cancer but the latest news is in the battle against heart disease.

Twenty one separate genetic variations linked to high cholesterol have been detected. Interestingly enough, some are associated with cholesterol elevations in men and others in women.

At this point this information will have no impact on current treatments but there will definitely be studies and new treatments in the coming years.