Elevated LDL cholesterol increases CVD risk in young people

Young and healthy people are at risk of dying early of cardiovascular disease (CVD) if they have elevated LDL cholesterol

Young, healthy people may still face a lifetime risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease if they cannot keep their cholesterol levels in check, according to a new observational research in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation.

LDL is a type of cholesterol that contributes to clogged arteries which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. While previous research has typically focused on individuals at moderate or high risk for cardiovascular disease, this study looked at relatively healthy young people with low risk of CVD.

Researchers  looked at associations between low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) – commonly known as bad cholesterol – and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) thresholds and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality in young and healthy participants at low 10-year risk for heart health problems.

Death due to cardiovascular disease is on the rise in India. It caused more than one quarter of all deaths in the country in 2015, affecting rural populations and young adults the most, according to a latest report by The Lancet Global Health.

This observational study included 36,375 young, relatively healthy participants of the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study who were free of diabetes or heart disease and were followed for 27 years.

people with LDL levels of 100-159 mg/dL had a 30 to 40 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease death, while those with LDL levels of 160 mg/dL or higher had a 70 to 90 percent increased risk of cardiovascular death

The study concluded that people with LDL levels in the range of 100-159 mg/dL had a 30 to 40 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease death, while those with LDL levels of 160 mg/dL or higher had a 70 to 90 percent increased risk of cardiovascular death, when compared with participants who had LDL readings of under 100 mg/dL.

“Our study demonstrates that having a low 10-year estimated cardiovascular disease risk does not eliminate the risk posed by elevated LDL over the course of a lifetime,” said lead study author Shuaib Abdullah, M.D., at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Veteran’s Affairs North Texas Healthcare System in Dallas, Texas.

“Those with low risk should pursue lifestyle interventions, such as diet and exercise, to achieve LDLs levels as low as possible, preferably under 100 mg/dL. Limiting saturated fat intake, maintaining a healthy weight, discontinuing tobacco use, and increasing aerobic exercise should apply to everyone.”