Cholesterol levels in young adults can predict heart disease risk in later life

A new study published in The Lancet followed almost 400,000 people in 19 countries for 43.5 years between 1970 and 2013. The study investigated the relationship between cholesterol levels in young adults and cardiovascular risks in later life. Using data from 38 studies carried out in Europe, the U.S. and Australia, the researchers from the German Research Center for Environmental Health in Neuherberg found that elevated non-HDL cholesterol levels at a young age can predict cardiovascular risk at 75 years of age. Researchers factored in sex, age, non-HDL levels, BMI, diabetes, blood pressure and smoking status. Importantly the study found that the risk of heart disease and stroke dropped continuously as non-HDL levels dropped.

NOTE: High cholesterol has no symptoms and if left unchanged can lead to serious health problems. Many people are unaware that they have high levels however a simple blood test from a doctor could check.