Private MD News

Treating high cholesterol early may lead to better results

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Most people who have received unhealthy cholesterol tests in the past are not advised to take steps to lower their cholesterol until they are at a relatively advanced age. However, a new study suggests that starting such preventive measures at an early age may deliver better results.

Researchers from Wayne State University reported at the recent annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology that a person who has high cholesterol at an advanced age would need to experience much greater reductions in LDL levels than are possible through normal treatment methods in order to significantly lower their heart attack risk, according to American Medical News.

Therefore, the researchers concluded that preventing plaque buildup starting at a relatively young age may deliver much better results.

Lead researcher Brian Ference told the news source that this does not necessarily mean prescribing statins to young people. However, advising individuals who receive unhealthy cholesterol test results in their 20s to start eating healthier and getting more exercise may provide the desired results.

The findings could have relevance for millions of Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 13 percent of women have unhealthy cholesterol. The problem afflicts 9 percent of men.