Cholesterol Type May Influence Your Risk of Heart Attack, Research Finds

Have you ever wondered how cholesterol in your body can lead to a heart attack? Well, first of all, you need to know that vascular plaque starts with inflammation. Say for instance, your blood pressure has been running high for quite some time. What happens is that high blood pressure starts to put considerable strain on your blood vessels. Cholesterol-filled lipoproteins attach to the walls of your arteries, which are then subsequently attacked by your body’s immune cells. Underneath a thin membrane, a lump consisting of dead cells and fat starts to build up. The lump remains undetected until it eventually bursts or totally blocks the artery. This means that oxygen cannot reach the heart, which in turn results in a heart attack. The process of artery hardening is known as atherosclerosis and is caused by a specific cholesterol type, among other factors. 

Which Cholesterol Is Responsible For Atherosclerosis? 

Heart disease is rated as the biggest cause of deaths around the world. In fact, it is responsible for one out of every deaths globally. Yet, how many of these deaths could potentially been avoided if people were aware of the risk factors at play? Over half of these heart attacks have certain metabolic drivers, such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, and high LDL cholesterol count. Many studies have revealed a link between LDL cholesterol and atherosclerosis. Research has shown that plaque buildup and inflammation risk both increase if there is more LDL cholesterol circulating in the system. This means that the lower the LDL cholesterol levels in your body, the better it is for your overall health.

However, LDL is not the only one of the cholesterol types that can increase your heart disease risk. For example, VLDL has a high triglyceride content, yet cholesterol types such as this one are not regularly measured. Yet, VLDL has already proven to increase the formation of plague. Another example is the protein that binds to lipoprotein (a), called apolipoprotein A. Elevated levels of Lp(a) are linked to a higher cardiovascular disease risk. Around 5% of the population have elevated levels of this hereditary risk factor. 

Not All Factors Are Always Detected

Some people have heart attacks without exhibiting any elevated LDL levels. Apo-B is a protein found in all pathogenic particles that contain cholesterol. It is known to cause considerable damage and its presence in the blood can be measured. The standard tests for LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol alone may reveal nothing wrong, yet other cardiovascular risk-increasing lipoproteins may not be picked up at all. Our cholesterol levels also naturally increase as we get older, so it’s important to keep an eye on your Lp(a) levels. 

Many researchers are now looking for new markers that could be revealed through blood tests. Many heart attack patients do not have any of the usual risk factors, with some not even exhibiting a single symptom prior to the attack. Since some plaque types are more unstable than others, the cause may be found in the type of atherosclerosis that an individual has. The team is currently trying to identify markers that uncover the unstable fatty plaque responsible for an increase in acute incidents. Using advanced imaging techniques, they have so far uncovered two lipid particles and one microRNA that previous research has linked to atherosclerosis. 

Even if a patient has undergone angioplasty treatment with a stent, once atherosclerosis sets in, the plaque remains. It is, therefore, essential that patients adhere to a good medical regime and changes in lifestyle. Statins and other medications can help in plaque reduction and stabilization. However, consistent exercise and other health changes to lifestyle are equally as important to a successful outcome. Research has revealed that regular exercise actually affects plaque directly by reducing the fat content and stabilizing it. 

The Bottom Line

Understanding the role of various cholesterol types can make a major difference in your heart health. It is not only important to know how much cholesterol you have, but also what type of cholesterol you have and how it affects your body. If you have a family history of heart disease or are experiencing any risk factors, it’s best to be checked out by a GP. The standard tests don’t always pick up underlying factors and a proper examination may reveal more about your state of health. While certain medications will help, changing your diet and lifestyle are equally important.