Hormonal
Lifelong genetic reduction of LDL cholesterol via PCSK9 sequence variations significantly reduces the incidence of coronary heart disease, with protection persisting despite high prevalence of non-lipid-related cardiovascular risk factors.
Your genetic makeup can influence your cholesterol, but the most powerful thing you can do for your heart health is to keep your LDL levels low throughout your entire life, not just when you get older. This study shows that maintaining low LDL from a young age offers superior protection against heart disease, even if you have other risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes. Focus on lifelong management of lipid levels rather than waiting for symptoms or later years to intervene.
These data indicate that moderate lifelong reduction in the plasma level of LDL cholesterol is associated with a substantial reduction in the incidence of coronary events, even in populations with a high prevalence of non–lipid-related cardiovascular risk factors.
Why this rating
Large population-based longitudinal study (ARIC) with genetic stratification, controlling for confounders, showing statistically significant hazard ratios.
Source
Sequence Variations in <i>PCSK9,</i> Low LDL, and Protection against Coronary Heart Disease
Jonathan C. Cohen et al. · New England Journal of Medicine · 2006
DOI 10.1056/nejmoa054013
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