Familial aggregation of peptic ulcers and ischaemic heart disease. Common etiologic factors?

A family with an unexpected aggregation of both ischaemic heart disease and peptic ulcers is presented. Possible mechanisms behind an association between the two diseases are discussed. It is suggested that, depending on the genetic susceptibility, similar environmental stimuli like preexisting "stress" could induce either ischaemic heart disease or peptic ulcer.