Recently, a new study indicated that high levels of a “bad” cholesterol called lipoprotein(a) were associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease when hypertension was also a factor.
The team, based out of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, found that when someone suffered from high blood pressure and had elevated lipoprotein(a) levels, they were 18 to 20 percent more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease than the general population. However, when hypertension was not a factor, elevated lipoprotein(a) levels did not have a correlation with cardiovascular disease.
Both cholesterol levels and unhealthy levels when it comes to blood pressure have an association with heart disease. Understanding the relationship will allow researchers to do a better job of treating and preventing heart disease. Understanding how combinations of things like this contribute to the severity of the disease will, too. There’s still a long way to go when it comes to beating cardiovascular disease. It remains the number one killer in the U.S. Research like this is an important step in getting to this point.
Prevention is a strong strategy when it comes to health. Managing both blood pressure levels and cholesterol has already proven to be an effective way to prevent cardiovascular disease. Preventing health issues from ever occurring ensures that the likelihood of health complications as someone ages are drastically reduced. It also lowers the chances of an illness like the flu or COVID-19 from having a profoundly negative impact on someone’s health.
The study involved over 6,600 people who participated in what’s being called the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, or MESA. Diverse cultures and ethnicities were a part of the study, attempting to take into account the differences between different peoples and lifestyles. As a result of this, the study is believed to be accurate regardless of sex, race, background, and other areas of diversity. Participants were tracked for an average of 14 years. Health events during that time were also tracked.
Interestingly, the study found that the biggest risk when it came to cardiovascular disease was hypertension levels. Other factors, such as lipoprotein(a), placed those suffering from hypertension at even greater risk.
This research was published in Hypertension, a journal produced by the American Heart Association. Hopefully this research will lead to a better understanding of the root causes of heart and cardiovascular disease, and allow doctors to be more proficient when treating and preventing this illness.
Regardless of your loved one’s needs, having the right care team can make managing them a little bit easier. That’s where a strong in-home care service can be a big help.
We’d love to be a part of your team. If you would like to learn more about in-home care and how it can help you and your family, we’re here for you. Give us a call today to get the process started. One of our professionals would be happy to talk more with you or schedule you for a free consultation session, if that will be more helpful.
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