REDUCING YOUR RISK OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: ELEVATED CHOLESTEROL – THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
Research clearly shows that the amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream and the proportions of the different types of lipoproteins have a definite impact on your future risk for development of coronary blockages. This evidence has been found in extensive studies of populations whose average cholesterol levels were compared with the incidence of coronary artery disease and in studies investigating whether the tendency for development of coronary artery disease could be influenced by lowering cholesterol.
In certain circumstances, the link between lipid levels and cardiovascular risk is dramatic. Because of genes inherited from their parents, some people lack certain parts of their cells which are vital to processing cholesterol and getting rid of LDL cholesterol. In this condition, called familial hypercholesterolemia, people have extremely high levels of cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol. This makes them very susceptible to the development of angina pectoris or heart attacks very early in their lives, even in their 20s.
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