Private MD News

Home | News | Heart Health and Cholesterol

Genetics may play a role in cholesterol levels

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Cholesterol testing may benefit those who have a family history of poor heart health, as a new study has found that an individual's genetics can play a large role in the development of cardiovascular problems.

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that relatively common genetic variants - which can be passed from one generation to the next - play a large role in the way the body metabolizes lipids, or fats.

For the study, mice with high cholesterol were given drugs that suppress these particular genes. Researchers found that the amount of cholesterol in their blood was reduced by as much as 80 percent.

"This [study] highlights scores of genes not previously implicated in lipoprotein metabolism," said Daniel Rader, who led the study. "These results identify several [genes] associated with serum lipids that are also associated with coronary artery disease, highlighting potential targets for new therapies."

Understanding genetic risk factors could enable doctors to identify patients who are the most likely to develop heart disease, allowing them to recommend lifestyle changes or possibly drug intervention.

Related Articles from Private MD:

• Vitamin B provides little help for stroke victims
  
• Cholesterol testing important for young adults, study finds
  
• Socioeconomic factors play a large role in heart risk
  
• Depression tied to cholesterol levels
  
• Overweight children more likely to experience heart problems as adults
  

Share on Facebook

Subscribe to Private MD Health News RSS Feed:

News Categories:

Advanced Lipid Treatment I   Allergy Testing   Anemia and RBC disorders   Autoimmune Diseases   Bariatric Lab Testing   Blood and Blood Diseases   Breast   Cancer Detection and Tumor Markers   Celiac Disease Testing   Chlamydia   Coagulation and blood clotting disorders   Colon   Diabetes   DNA, Paternity and Genetic testing   Drug Screening   Environmental Toxin Testing   Female Specific Tests   Gastrointestinal Diseases   General Health   General Wellness   Heart Health and Cholesterol   Herpes   HIV   HIV monitoring/Treatment/Testing/Post Diagnos   Hormones and Metabolism   Infectious Diseases   Infertility Testing-Male   Infertitlity Hormone Testing   Kidney Diseases   Leukemia and WBC disorders   Liver   Liver Diseases   Lyme Disease   Male Specific Tests   Menopause/Peri-Menopausal Diagnosis   Musculoskeletal Diseases   Organ Specific Testing   Ovarian   Prostate   Sexually Transmitted Diseases   Thyroid Diseases   Transgender Hormone Testing-female to male   Transgender Hormone Testing-Male to Female   Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment   

Visit the Health News Archive: Click Here

Questions about online blood testing or how to order a lab test? Click here to get started or call us toll-free at 1.877.283.7882. Our professionals are ready to assist you.

Back to top