"High cholesterol at younger ages means there will be a
greater burden of cardiovascular disease as these individuals age. This
research highlights the need to educate Americans of any age on the risks of
elevated cholesterol, and ways to keep cholesterol at a healthy level
throughout life."
A new study — the findings of which appear in the journal
Circulation — suggests that people with high levels of low-density lipoprotein
(LDL) cholesterol early in life may experience an increased lifetime risk of
death related to cardiovascular disease (CVD).
LDL cholesterol can increase cardiovascular risk at high
levels because it leads to lipid buildup in the arteries, which can affect the
blood flow to and from the heart.
Specifically, the researchers wanted to find out whether
individuals currently considered at low risk of CVD or CHD for the coming 10
years may benefit from learning about their cholesterol levels earlier in life
and keeping them in check so as to prevent the development of complications.
Article by Dr. Robert Eckel, the former president of the
American Heart Association (AHA)
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