Genetic Heart Risk: Test Cholesterol in Your 20s

A family history of high LDL cholesterol can be a silent precursor to early heart attacks. A 38-year-old marketing professional, who appeared healthy and maintained a fit lifestyle, presented with severe angina due to 100% and 90% blockages in his main heart arteries. This condition, known as familial hypercholesterolemia, results from a genetic disorder affecting the liver's ability to remove LDL cholesterol.

This inherited condition causes excess LDL to accumulate in the arteries, forming unstable plaques that heighten the risk of heart attacks at a young age. While the patient had no diabetes or other common risk factors, his genetic predisposition was the primary underlying issue. Intense physical activity, like aggressive weight lifting, can also trigger plaque rupture and acute events in individuals with undiagnosed artery narrowing.

Other risk factors that damage blood vessels and accelerate plaque buildup include chronic high blood pressure, high blood sugar, kidney issues, and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. A diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and refined sugars, alongside a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and chronic stress, further contribute to cardiovascular disease.

Cardiologists emphasize the importance of early detection through regular lipid profile tests, recommended from age 21, to identify genetic patterns and manage cholesterol levels proactively. This preventative measure is crucial for individuals with a family history of early heart disease, aiming to avert potentially life-threatening cardiac events.