Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

High Cholesterol Levels In Young Age Can Lead To Heart Problems by Middle Age

by Poojitha Shekar on September 23, 2020 at 1:20 PM
High Cholesterol Levels In Young Age Can Lead To Heart Problems by Middle Age

Teenagers with high cholesterol levels have an increased risk of heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular events during middle age, according to a new landmark study led by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM).

This increased risk continues even in those who were able to lower their cholesterol levels down to a healthy level before reaching their late thirties.

Advertisement


The research makes a strong case for doctors to intervene early to treat high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (bad cholesterol). It also provides guidelines for future intervention studies aimed at stemming the worldwide epidemic of heart disease and stroke.

The study, entitled "Time Course of LDL Cholesterol Exposure and Cardiovascular Disease Event Risk", was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and relied on data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study (CARDIA).
Advertisement

This ongoing study began 35 years ago, recruiting 5,000 young adults aged 18 to 30. It has been tracking this cohort ever since to understand the contribution of individual characteristics, lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease later in life.

"Damage to the arteries done early in life may be irreversible and appears to be cumulative. For this reason, doctors may want to consider prescribing lifestyle changes and also medications to lower high LDL cholesterol levels in young adults in order to prevent problems further down the road," said Dr. Domanski.

The researchers used complex mathematical modelling to understand how cardiovascular risk increases with rise in cumulative exposure to LDL cholesterol over an average of 22 years.

American College of Cardiology's Cholesterol Management Guidelines :

Lifestyle measures can be used to lower high LDL levels during the teenage years. Exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy body mass index and sticking on to a healthy diet plans with low saturated animal fats.

Doctors must consider prescribing cholesterol-lowering medications like statins to prevent heart disease in those ages 20 to 39, who have elevated cholesterol levels, mainly if they have a family history of early-onset heart disease.

"Cardiovascular disease remains the biggest killer in the world, and this new finding provides a potential way to save many lives," said E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, UM Baltimore and the John Z.



Source: Medindia
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Cholesterol News

High and Low HDL Cholesterol Levels Linked to Higher Dementia Risk
In the elderly population, both high and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, are linked to a slight increase in the risk of dementia.
World First Drug to Address Deadly 'Bad Cholesterol'
Muvalaplin, an oral drug, offers the path-breaking world's first treatment for lipoprotein(a), a bad cholesterol that increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Are Heart Attack Survivors Neglecting LDL Cholesterol Risk?
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) plays a significant role in elevating the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
Cholesterol Testing System Developed
New technology for identifying cholesterol levels that is cheaper, more efficient, and faster than traditional analogues developed.
 High Cholesterol Has Tender Spot In Heart Disease
New research questions the efficacy of statins prescribed to lower cholesterol levels in patients with heart disease.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

High Cholesterol Levels In Young Age Can Lead To Heart Problems by Middle Age Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests