Ischemic Heart Disease Not Associated With Low HDL Levels From Gene Variation, University of Copenhagen Study Finds

Newswise — Lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol due to a gene mutation is not associated with an increased risk of ischemic heart disease, according to a study in the June 4 issue of JAMA.

Numerous studies have indicated that a low plasma level of HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) is associated with an increased risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD), according to background information in the article. However, whether HDL cholesterol is a primary factor in the development of IHD is not clear, in part because of other factors related to low HDL cholesterol levels, such as plasma triglycerides, which may contribute independently to increases in cardiovascular events. “… studies of genetic disorders that lower HDL cholesterol without increases in plasma triglycerides and remnant lipoproteins provide an ideal system in which to assess the consequences of isolated, lifelong low HDL cholesterol levels,” the authors write.

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