The Cholesterol -
Atherosclerosis Connection
The Cholesterol -
Atherosclerosis Connection
A large body of evidence supports a direct relationship between LDL cholesterol and the rate of Coronary Heart Disease. This includes within population studies (i.e., Framingham and MRFIT) and between population studies (i.e., Seven Countries).
Familial Hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder characterized by high levels of LDL cholesterol, has an exceedingly high rate of premature atherosclerosis. Animals with both spontaneous and diet-induced hypercholesterolemia develop lesions similar to human atherosclerosis.
