Higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood can lead to an increased risk of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty plaques in the blood vessels. These plaques can narrow and block the blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Research has shown that early exposure to a high-fat Western-style diet is linked to greater development of plaques in mice compared to later continuous exposure, despite similar overall exposure. In a study of people in Finland, childhood exposure to cholesterol was found to influence the risk of atherosclerosis in midlife. As a result, early exposure to LDL cholesterol has been shown to accelerate the risk of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries in midlife compared to later continuous exposure.
The researchers behind the study argue that their findings support earlier cholesterol testing in order to identify individuals at risk of heart disease and allow for earlier intervention. They studied the impact of the timing and duration of cholesterol exposure on the development of atherosclerosis. When a person’s cholesterol is tested, the ratio of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol to LDL cholesterol can be used to calculate their risk of heart disease. Atherosclerosis is associated with a greater risk of heart disease as it can narrow and block blood vessels, leading to potentially serious cardiovascular complications.
In mouse models of familial hypocholesterolemia, a condition driven by genetics that leads to high LDL cholesterol levels, researchers found that early intermittent exposure to a Western-type diet resulted in larger atherosclerotic plaques compared to late continuous exposure. This effect was observed in both male and female mice and persisted over a longer period of exposure. The researchers also discovered alterations in the behavior of immune cells in the aorta of these mice, which contributed to disease progression in atherosclerosis.
Analyzing data from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study, the researchers found that higher exposure to LDL cholesterol across different life stages was associated with a higher risk of plaque presence in the carotid artery. Furthermore, higher LDL cholesterol levels before adulthood were found to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis in mid-adulthood. This suggests that early exposure to high cholesterol can have long-term implications for cardiovascular health, underscoring the importance of early cholesterol testing and intervention.
Experts not involved in the research caution that more longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the link between early intermittent exposure to high cholesterol and the development of atherosclerosis in adults. They point out that diets high in saturated fats and processed foods can negatively impact cholesterol levels and lead to the formation of plaques in the arteries. Early exposure to high cholesterol, particularly during childhood, may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems later in life. Understanding the impact of cholesterol exposure timing and duration can help inform strategies for preventing heart disease and promoting cardiovascular health.
