Early High BP and Cholesterol Linked to Long-Term Heart Disease Risk: Study
New Study Highlights Lasting Impact of Pre-55 Levels on Heart Health
New research indicates that having elevated blood pressure or high cholesterol before the age of 55 can significantly increase the risk of heart disease later in life, even if levels are later lowered. The study, published in the journal PLoS ONE, conducted a comprehensive analysis using data from the UK Biobank, involving 136,648 participants for LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), 135,431 participants for SBP (systolic blood pressure), and 24,052 cases for CHD (coronary heart disease).
The findings revealed that the predictability of high LDL-C and SBP levels through genetics was associated with an elevated risk of coronary heart disease, irrespective of the age at diagnosis. Individuals with elevated SBP and LDL-C levels in early to midlife faced a higher risk of coronary heart disease, regardless of their levels later in life. The cumulative exposure to risk factors like SBD and LDL-C was identified as a significant contributor to coronary heart disease.
The researchers emphasized the importance of lifelong control of risk factors, particularly in younger individuals, whose cumulative risk of CHD persists throughout life. They recommended early intervention and treatment for individuals with increased SBP and/or LDL-C to reduce the long-term impact on heart health.
The study concluded that age alone should not be a determining factor in withholding appropriate treatments for lowering LDL-C and blood pressure, as the genetically mediated impact on the incident risk of coronary heart disease remains consistent throughout life.
