Lower LDL Cholesterol Level and Risk for CHD Later in Life

High LDL cholesterol is a well-established risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). In a new analysis, researchers performed a meta-analysis of data from >300,000 patients to evaluate nine genetic polymorphisms associated with naturally low LDL cholesterol levels and to assess their effects on CHD later in life.

Each of the nine polymorphisms was associated with significantly lower risk for CHD. Each 1-mmol/L (38.7 mg/dL) unit lower LDL cholesterol was associated with a 54% lower risk for CHD, which is approximately three times the magnitude of risk reduction seen in trials of statin therapy in midlife.