Critical Need to Test Blood of Young Adults

We strongly suspected but up until now could not absolutely prove that elevated LDL in one’s younger years was a definitive risk factor for mid-life coronary atherosclerosis.

A meticulous study published this week in the Annals of Internal Medicine looked at 3,258 people whose blood was initially tested between ages 18–30. Seven additional blood tests were done on each subject over a 20-year period. The results showed that those with the highest LDL (over 160 mg/dL) were 5.6 times more likely to have calcium buildup in their coronary arteries by age 45.¹

Coronary calcification is a strong indicator that one has diseased arteries that feed the heart muscle. This study showed that young people with even moderately elevated LDL (100–129 mg/dL) were 2.4 times more likely to have coronary calcification by mid-life.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) transports cholesterol from the liver throughout the vascular system. In the presence of excess LDL, too much cholesterol saturates the blood. Through a series of oxidative-inflammatory pathways, excess LDL contributes to arterial occlusion. The debate has been what constitutes dangerously high levels of LDL.

This study on young people (18–30 years old) showed that those with the lowest LDL numbers (below 70 mg/dL) were the least likely to have coronary calcium deposition. Experts commented that doctors need to be more aggressive in testing the blood of children and young adults for cardiac risk factors.

These findings should not surprise Life Extension® members

Nearly 30 years ago, Life Extension recommended that LDL levels be maintained below 100 mg/dL. The medical establishment back then accepted readings up to 160 mg/dL as being normal.

Life Extension has since reduced its recommended range for LDL to 50–99 mg/dL. Over the past three decades, the mainstream slowly lowered acceptable LDL guidelines to where they now stand at less than 100 mg/dL.

This new study makes it clear: Had Life Extension’s early recommendations about LDL blood levels (under 100 mg/dL) been implemented in the early 1980s, many heart attacks could have been prevented.

This study also validates the urgent need for everyone to have their blood tested for LDL and other cardiac risk factors starting no later than age 18.

Some mainstream health care providers have been surprised by the findings that LDL levels below 70 mg/dL appear to confer optimal protection. They are shocked because until recently, these very same health care practitioners believed LDL levels up to 129 mg/dL were “safe” assuming no other risk factors like hypertension, smoking, diabetes, etc. Life Extension members knew better.

Most people have too much LDL

This study showed that about 65% of the young study participants had LDL readings 100 mg/dL and higher. Considering that LDL levels tend to spike during aging, and LDL is only one of 17 independent vascular disease risk factors, it is not surprising that heart attack and stroke are the leading killers and disablers of Americans.

Those with stubbornly high LDL have to rely on statin drugs (like simvastatin) to lower it to safe ranges. There are natural approaches that can help support healthy lipid levels too.

In the issue of Life Extension Magazine® you will receive around September 10, an aggressive new weight loss strategy will be announced. A side benefit to this program is significant reductions in LDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol.

Verify your LDL status for only $35

The Life Extension Foundation® offers a comprehensive CBC/Chemistry Blood Panel that measures a wide range of proven markers for age-related disease. To assess risks for atherosclerosis, the CBC/Chemistry Blood Panel includes LDL, glucose, triglycerides, VLDL, total cholesterol, calcium and HDL.

The CBC/Chemistry Blood Panel also measures kidney and liver function along with counts of immune cells, oxygen-carrying cells and platelets.

You might pay more than $100 for these many tests at commercial labs, but the everyday low price for Life Extension members is only $35. (Non-member pricing is $47.)

After you order these tests, you are sent a list of blood draw stations in your area. You can usually walk in at your convenience for a quick blood draw. Most people do this first thing in the morning in order to obtain a fasting reading. The results will be mailed to you shortly thereafter. Life Extension Health Advisors are available to help you understand your test results at no charge.

Based on the latest study confirming the dangers of elevated LDL beginning in early life, you may want to order a CBC/Chemistry Blood Panel for your children as well.

To order the low-cost CBC/Chemistry Blood Panel for only $35 for members (and $47 for non-members), call 1-800-208-3444 (24-hours) or click here.

1. Pletcher M “Nonoptimal Lipids Commonly Present in Young Adults and Coronary Calcium Later in Life: The CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) Study,” Annals of Internal Medicine 2010; 153:137–146.