Keep an eye on Cholesterol (Patreon)

One of our members recently had a stroke and it hit me pretty hard. Anyhow, all of this can actually be managed so keep an eye on your cholesterol LDL levels. Also, just because you're young does not mean you are off the hook!

7.4% of U.S. adults are affected ie have a heart attack, coronary heart disease, or stroke in any given year. Heart disease accounted for 1 in 5 deaths overall.

What the Graph Means:

It shows your risk of a heart attack or stroke from age 38 to 80 under three scenarios:

• Blue Line (Without Lp(a) Effect): Your risk if Lp(a) levels are not a factor, starting at 0% at age 38 and rising to 29.5% by age 80.

• Red Line (With Lp(a) Effect): Your risk when factoring in an elevated Lp(a) level of 80 mg/dL, which increases the risk significantly to 42.7% by age 80.

• Gray Line (After Lowering LDL/Blood Pressure): If you lower your LDL cholesterol by 80 mg/dL starting at age 38 (with the Lp(a) level of 80 mg/dL), your risk drops to 17.6% by age 80.

Key Takeaway: High Lp(a) levels increase your cardiovascular risk, but lowering LDL cholesterol or blood pressure can significantly reduce that risk.

At What Age Should You Be Concerned?

• The graph starts at age 38, suggesting this is when it begins. A friend of mine from San Jose died at the age of 39 in 2005 from a heart attack.

h/t Sanjay for the HEALTH IS WEALTH advice.