#apob test

[harleystreets]

ApoB Test: How It's Done and What to Expect

As awareness about heart disease grows, there is an increasing focus on more precise diagnostic tools to assess heart health. Among these is the ApoB test, a relatively recent addition that provides valuable information about your risk of cardiovascular disease. Understanding what an ApoB test is, how it’s done, and what you can expect during the process is essential for anyone looking to take charge of their heart health. This article will break down the entire process of the ApoB test, explaining its importance, how the procedure is carried out, and what the results mean for you.

[kbc-78]

The Role of Genetics in Heart Disease

Heart disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and smoking play significant roles in its development, genetics also has a crucial influence. Understanding the genetic components of heart disease can help in identifying individuals at risk and developing personalized prevention and treatment strategies. Dr. Kartik Bhosale emphasizes the importance of genetic screening and tailored medical care to effectively manage and prevent heart disease. The Best Cardiologist in Pune can offer the expertise and guidance necessary for optimal heart health management.

How Genetics Influence Heart Disease?

Inherited Genetic Mutations:

Description: Certain genetic mutations can be passed down from parents to offspring, increasing the risk of developing heart disease.

Examples: Mutations in genes like LDLR (low-density lipoprotein receptor) can lead to familial hypercholesterolemia, a condition characterized by high cholesterol levels and an increased risk of coronary artery disease.

Family History:

Description: A family history of heart disease significantly raises an individual’s risk of developing similar conditions.

Explanation: If close relatives have heart disease, it indicates a potential genetic predisposition, possibly combined with shared lifestyle factors.

Polygenic Risk:

Description: Heart disease often results from the combined effect of multiple genes, each contributing a small amount to the overall risk.

Examples: Polygenic risk scores, which aggregate the effects of many genetic variants, can predict an individual’s likelihood of developing heart disease.

Specific Genetic Conditions Related to Heart Disease:

Familial Hypercholesterolemia:

Cause: Mutations in the LDLR, APOB, or PCSK9 genes.

Effect: Elevated LDL cholesterol levels, leading to an increased risk of coronary artery disease.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy:

Cause: Mutations in genes like MYH7, MYBPC3.

Effect: Thickening of the heart muscle, which can cause arrhythmias and heart failure.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy:

Cause: Mutations in genes such as TTN, LMNA.

Effect: Enlargement and weakening of the heart chambers, leading to heart failure and arrhythmias.

Long QT Syndrome:

Cause: Mutations in genes like KCNQ1, KCNH2.

Effect: Prolonged QT interval on the ECG, leading to an increased risk of sudden cardiac death.

Genetic Testing and Counseling:

Predictive Genetic Testing:

Purpose: Identifies individuals at high risk for specific genetic heart conditions.

Benefit: Allows for early intervention and personalized management strategies to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Carrier Testing:

Purpose: Determines if an individual carries a gene mutation that could be passed to their offspring.

Benefit: Helps in family planning and understanding the risk of hereditary heart conditions.

Genetic Counseling:

Purpose: Provides information and support to individuals and families with a history of genetic heart conditions.

Benefit: Helps in making informed decisions about testing, treatment, and lifestyle changes.

The Interaction Between Genetics and Lifestyle:

While genetics play a significant role in heart disease, lifestyle factors can either exacerbate or mitigate genetic risks. To address both genetic and lifestyle aspects of heart health, consider consulting Dr. Kartik Bhosale for expert guidance and personalized care.

For example:

Diet: A healthy diet can help manage cholesterol levels, even in individuals with genetic predispositions.

Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve heart health and counteract genetic risks.

Smoking: Avoiding smoking can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, particularly in those with genetic susceptibility.

Future Directions in Genetic Research:

Personalized Medicine:

Description: Tailoring prevention and treatment strategies based on an individual’s genetic profile.

Potential: Improves the efficacy and reduces side effects of treatments for heart disease.

Gene Therapy:

Description: Techniques aimed at correcting or compensating for defective genes responsible for heart disease.

Potential: Offers hope for curing or significantly altering the course of genetic heart conditions.

CRISPR and Genetic Editing:

Description: Advanced technologies like CRISPR allow for precise editing of genetic material.

Potential: Could be used to correct genetic mutations associated with heart disease in the future.

Conclusion:

Genetics plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of heart disease. By understanding the genetic factors involved, we can better identify individuals at risk and develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies. As research advances, the integration of genetic information into clinical practice holds promise for improving outcomes and reducing the burden of heart disease. If you have a family history of heart disease or are concerned about your genetic risk, consider consulting Dr. Kartik Bhosale, a Heart Specialist in Pune, to explore your options.

[rxtorfitnesstalk]

Dr. A S Sanjay from Bangalore

Introduction: Lipid management is a critical aspect of cardiovascular health, and medical advancements continue to improve treatment options and outcomes for patients with dyslipidemia. In this blog Dr. A S Sanjay, a highly respected Consultant Physician from Bangalore, to explore the latest advancements in lipid management and treatment options.

Precision Medicine: Recent advancements in lipid management focus on precision medicine, tailoring treatment plans to individual patients based on their genetic makeup, lifestyle, and other health factors. This personalized approach ensures that patients receive the most effective and targeted treatments.

Novel Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs: Several novel cholesterol-lowering drugs have been developed to supplement traditional treatments like statins. PCSK9 inhibitors are an example of these new drugs, which have shown promise in significantly reducing LDL cholesterol levels and improving cardiovascular outcomes.

Combination Therapies: Researchers are exploring combination therapies to optimize lipid management. Combining different classes of cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins and ezetimibe, can provide synergistic effects in reducing LDL cholesterol.

Non-Statin Therapies: For patients who cannot tolerate statins or do not achieve their target cholesterol levels with statins alone, non-statin therapies offer alternatives. These may include bile acid sequestrants, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

Injectable Medications: Injectable medications, like monoclonal antibodies targeting PCSK9, are administered every few weeks and have shown promising results in lowering LDL cholesterol significantly.

Advanced Lipid Testing: Advanced lipid testing, such as lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and apolipoprotein B [apoB] measurements, allows for more comprehensive assessments of cardiovascular risk and aids in tailoring treatment plans.

Conclusion: Dr. A S Sanjay, a respected Consultant Physician from Bangalore, highlights the exciting developments in lipid management and treatment options. Precision medicine, novel cholesterol-lowering drugs, combination therapies, non-statin options, injectable medications, and advanced lipid testing are among the latest advancements that offer hope for better outcomes in dyslipidemia management. These innovations underscore the importance of personalized treatment plans and the collaboration between healthcare providers and patients in optimizing lipid levels and promoting overall cardiovascular health. By staying informed about these advancements and seeking guidance from Doctors, individuals can make informed decisions about their lipid management and take proactive steps toward a heart-healthy future.

[bpod-bpod]

Light it Up

Cardiovascular diseases, conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, are the leading cause of death worldwide. Most commonly, these problems are linked to atherosclerosis, the build-up of fatty compounds, collectively known as plaque, in the walls of arteries. Fat molecules, or lipids, in these deposits are linked to a protein named apolipoprotein-B (ApoB), which may be key to understanding how and why harmful plaque forms. Researchers recently developed a technique to monitor the levels and distribution of ApoB-containing lipid complexes, or lipoproteins, in transparent zebrafish larvae, by fusing ApoB to a luciferase enzyme, closely related to that responsible for light production in fireflies. In the developing larvae, pictured from one (top) to five days after fertilisation (bottom), the bright blue glow reveals where and when lipoproteins are most abundant. Operating in a versatile model organism, this technique could unlock new ways of investigating plaque formation and facilitate drug testing.

Written by Emmanuelle Briolat

Image adapted from work by James H. Thierer, Stephen C. Ekker & Steven A. Farber

Carnegie Institution for Science Department of Embryology, Baltimore, MD, USA

Image originally published under a Creative Commons Licence (BY 4.0)

Published in Nature Communications, July 2019

You can also follow BPoD on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

[vanya-core-blog]

Colesterol elevado

Primeiro, a grande novidade: uma dieta pobre em carboidratos e gorduras geralmente resulta em um perfil de colesterol melhorado , indicando um menor risco de doença cardíaca:

Nova análise: melhor LCHF para peso a longo prazo e marcadores de saúde

Novo estudo importante: uma dieta baixa em carboidratos, mais uma vez melhor para os marcadores de peso e saúde!

O efeito clássico de uma dieta baixa em carboidratos sobre o colesterol é uma ligeira elevação, em parte devido a uma elevação do colesterol bom (HDL), indicando um menorrisco de doença cardíaca. Isto especialmente porque o perfil do colesterol também melhora tipicamente em mais duas formas: triglicéridos mais baixos e partículas de LDL maiores e mais macias.

Também foi demonstrado que dois anos com aconselhamento dietético com baixos teores de carboidratos e gorduras resulta em sinais reduzidos de aterosclerose .

Resultados de colesterol potencialmente preocupantes

No entanto, também existem problemas potenciais, mesmo que sejam raros. Em média, a elevação do colesterol total e do colesterol LDL é tão pequena que a maioria dos estudos nem percebe isso . Mas para um número menor de pessoas - possivelmente cerca de 1-2% da população - pode haver elevações preocupantes do LDL e do colesterol total, além do que pode ser considerado normal. Esse risco potencial vale a pena ser levado a sério. Também pode valer a pena tomar medidas para corrigi-lo.

Por exemplo, um pequeno subgrupo de pessoas, provavelmente em parte devido à genética, pode acabar com um número total de colesterol acima de 400 mg / dl (10 mmol / l) com uma dieta baixa em carboidratos, e LDL acima de 250 mg / dl ( 6,5 mmol / l). Isto não é normal. Mesmo que o perfil lipídico seja bom - com níveis elevados de HDL e triglicerídeos baixos - pode não ser saudável.

Observando mais de perto os testes modernos de colesterol, em tais casos, geralmente há uma alta contagem de partículas de LDL, e os valores de apoB e apoB / A1 são geralmente anormalmente altos. Todos estes números indicam um risco aumentado de doença cardíaca.

O que fazer

Se você obtiver um perfil lipídico não saudável em uma dieta pobre em carboidratos, há algumas coisas a considerar, nesta ordem:

Pare de beber café à prova de balas ( manteiga, gordura de coco ou óleo MCT no café ). Não beba quantidades significativas de gordura quando não estiver com fome. Isso sozinho pode muitas vezes normalizar os níveis de colesterol.

Só coma quando estiver com fome e considere a adição de jejum intermitente ( reduzconsistentemente os níveis de colesterol ).

Considere o uso de gorduras mais insaturadas , como azeite, peixe gordo e abacate. Se isso irá melhorar a sua saúde é desconhecida, mas irá diminuir o seu colesterol. E como é anormalmente alto, isso pode ser motivo suficiente.

Finalmente, se a etapa 1 a 3 não for suficiente: considere se você realmente precisa estar em uma dieta cetogênica estrita por motivos de saúde. Se uma dieta mais moderada ou liberal (por exemplo, 50-100 gramas de carboidratos por dia) ainda pode funcionar para você, também provavelmente irá diminuir o seu colesterol. Lembre-se apenas de escolher boas fontes de carboidratos não processadas (por exemplo, não farinha de trigo ou açúcar refinado).

[bouffees]

Family History

I lost my mom to heart disease in 2020. She was 57, which is young for a woman from what I’ve read. I’m a 37 year old man. I’ve lost over 50 pounds in the past two years and I’m currently 6’ tall and weigh 195 pounds. BMI calculator tells me I’m still overweight (which of course I have some superficial subcutaneous fat) but I have good muscle definition and visible abs. BP consistently less than 120/80, daily 16/8 intermittent fasting and a healthy diet, very active, resting HR 40-50.

Anyway, I’m heading to my PCP for an annual physical and I’m looking for advice to see if there’s any special blood tests I should request beyond my normal CBC and lipid panel. My last lipid panel was pretty good, and I’m going to discuss testing for ApoB and LP(a) for my next round. Are there any other routine tests or screenings I should be requesting?

submitted by /u/amueller585 [link] [comments] from For issues related to heart disease, cardiac health and cholesterol control https://ift.tt/hGJ4jv8

[leftcomputerpost]

Apolipoprotein Test Market  Important Changes in Industry Dynamics during 2020-2031

Apolipoprotein Test Market Overview

This Apolipoprotein Test Analysis market study offers a comprehensive analysis of the business models, key strategies, and respective market shares of some of the most prominent players in this landscape. Along with an in-depth commentary on the key influencing factors, market statistics in terms of revenues, segment-wise data, region-wise data, and country-wise data are offered in the full study. This study is one of the most comprehensive documentation that captures all the facets of the evolving Apolipoprotein Test Analysis market.

Apolipoproteins are proteins that transport by binding to them. There are several types of apolipoproteins out of which Apolipoprotein B are the major forms of protein which originate from Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL). Two forms of Apo B are found in humans. Apo B100 help to evaluate the risk of developing cardiovascular disease whereas Apo B48 is useful in the observation of lipid-soluble nutrients and drugs. Apo A and Apo C3 are responsible for controlling heart conditions. Apolipoprotein test market is expected to significantly increase because of the increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in most of the adults having high cholesterol. Such tests are performed to determine developing risks of cardiovascular disorders as earliest as possible. Apolipoprotein test market is expected to high growth markets because of increasing risks of developing severe heart disorders such as stroke and heart attack. According to the World Health Organization, around 85% of all cardiovascular disease-related deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes and around 17.9 million people die each year from CVDs. Major apolipoproteins, apoA and apoB are mainly associated with CVD. Other apolipoproteins such as apo D, apoE and apoJ are associated with Alzheimer’s disease whereas apoM is concerned with atherosclerosis, diabetes and renal disease. Hence minor increase or decrease in such apolipoproteins may lead to CVDs indicating there are huge opportunities in apolipoprotein test market.

Apolipoprotein Test Market: Drivers and Restraints

Increasing demand for diagnostic services in the developing region is expected to be one of the major causes of driving the growth of apolipoprotein test market. Increased awareness about maintaining good cardiac health can also be the growth factor for apolipoprotein test market. Unhealthy lifestyle habits are leading to various serious cardiovascular disorders such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, cardiac arrest, heart failure, stroke, arrhythmia and many other diseases also leads to boost apolipoprotein test market. Apolipoprotein test is nowadays recommended by most of the physicians, heart specialists and health care providers to the patients having a personal family history of heart disease. Hence, recommendation of apolipoprotein tests by medical practitioners to the patients having a family history of heart disease is considered to be the noticeable factors driving the growth of apolipoprotein test market. Physicians also recommend apolipoprotein test to the patients having high levels of cholesterol. Because of health education and high awareness among people about an increased risk of developing heart diseases people tend to perform apolipoprotein tests once or twice in a year, this can also be the driving factor for the growth of apolipoprotein test market.

Apolipoprotein Test Market: Overview

A rise in healthcare expenditure, improved health consciousness and health awareness are anticipated to be the leading causes to drive the growth of apolipoprotein test market. Increased access to healthcare and the wider availability of healthcare and diagnostic services are also expected to contribute to the growth of apolipoprotein test market. Healthcare and diagnostic services are more in demand in developing regions. Hence, health care providers and diagnostic centres are expected to have more growth opportunities in developing countries. Cardiovascular disease being a leading global cause of death is expected to surge the growth of apolipoprotein test market.

For more insights into the market, request a sample of this report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-10749

Apolipoprotein Test Market: Key Market Participants

Apolipoprotein test market includes key market participants such as Randox Laboratories Ltd., Abbott Laboratories, Danaher Corporation, Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., OPKO Health Inc., Myriad Genetics Inc., Quest Diagnostics Inc., and Eurofins Scientific, Lincoln Diagnostics LLC, DiaSorin S.p.A. Boster Biological Technology, Ltd. Rockland Immunochemicals Inc.

The report covers exhaust analysis on:

Market Segments

Market Dynamics

Market Size

Supply & Demand

Current Trends/Issues/Challenges

Competition & Companies involved

Technology

Value Chain

Regional analysis includes:

North America (U.S., Canada)

Latin America (Mexico. Brazil)

Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain)

Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)

Asia Pacific (India, China ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand)

Japan

Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries, S. Africa, Northern Africa)

The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.

For any queries linked with the report, ask an analyst >> https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-10749

About FMI: Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India. FMI’s latest market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.

Contact Us: Mr. Debashish Roy Unit No: AU-01-H Gold Tower (AU), Plot No: JLT-PH1-I3A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates MARKET ACCESS DMCC Initiative For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com For Media Enquiries: press@futuremarketinsights.com Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com

[your-dietician]

Is High Cholesterol Genetic?

New Post has been published on https://depression-md.com/is-high-cholesterol-genetic/

Is High Cholesterol Genetic?

There are many causes of high cholesterol—everything from diet, activity levels, and medications—but among the more concerning of these is genetics. Approximately one in 250 people have an inherited form of this condition called familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), meaning they’re genetically predisposed to develop unhealthy high levels.

FH specifically refers to excessively elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol due to a genetic mutation, and what’s alarming is that it’s associated with earlier onset of coronary artery disease (CAD), increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Making this issue even more critical, only about 10% to 20% of those with the condition know they have it.

It’s important to have a sense of what FH is, how it presents, and how it can be managed.

x-reflexnaja / Getty Images

What Is Familial Hypercholesterolemia?

As mentioned, FH arises due to an inherited mutation of a specific gene; this hinders the body’s ability to manufacture receptors to clear LDL from your blood. There are actually two types of FH, depending on whether the genetic abnormality was inherited from one or both parents. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Heterozygous FH: This more common type of FH occurs when one parent carries the faulty gene, and the other doesn’t. In these cases, people display high LDL from birth on, with levels climbing to especially dangerous levels in adults.

Homozygous FH: When both parents carry the faulty gene, this type of FH arises. It causes even more severe LDL levels from birth on, as no LDL receptors are present. As such, homozygous FH is associated with significantly earlier onset of serious heart problems and other issues.

If high cholesterol runs in your family, you should have your levels checked more regularly.

Causes of High Cholesterol

In addition to genetics, high cholesterol arises due to several factors:

Diet: Certain foods, especially those high in trans and saturated fats (as in fatty meats, dairy, and processed foods), elevate cholesterol levels.

Level of activity: Those who do not get enough exercise or physical activity are at risk for high cholesterol.

Weight status: Being overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9) or obese (BMI greater than 30) are significant risk factors for high cholesterol.

Lifestyle factors: Smoking tobacco and consuming alcohol are directly linked with higher levels of cholesterol.

Medications: Certain medications, including certain steroids, antiviral medications, beta-blockers, immunosuppressants, and diuretics, among others, can cause levels to rise.

Other diseases: Higher cholesterol can also be caused by other diseases or health conditions, including chronic kidney disease, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS), hepatitis C, and pregnancy, among others.

Signs and Symptoms

So how can you tell if you have high cholesterol? And how can you tell if high levels are due to FH? A big issue, unfortunately, is that you often can’t without testing. High cholesterol is often asymptomatic, which is a major reason why it often goes undetected. Over time, it can lead to restrictions or blockages of coronary and other arteries in the body, respectively. This can lead to:

Angina (chest pains or discomfort)

Fatigue,

Irregular heartbeat

Shortness of breath

Cramping or pain in the limbs, especially when walking

Slurred speech

Drooping on one side of the face

Weakness or numbness in the limbs

There are also a couple symptoms of high cholesterol that are particularly associated with FH:

Xanthoma: Excess levels of LDL cholesterol can cause nodules to form in clusters around the hands, elbows, feet, and other parts of the body. In children and infants particularly, these are signs of FH.

Achilles tendon xanthoma: When a xanthoma develops in the Achilles tendon on the back of the foot, it can cause serious damage. Tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendon, as well as rupture can occur.

Corneal arcus: Cholesterol deposits can also form around the cornea, the transparent portion that covers the front of the eye. This causes gray, white, or yellowish rings to form around both corneas.

Complications

The real danger of FH is that it can lead to a host of very serious conditions. When you have high cholesterol—especially high levels of LDL—a plaque can form in the arteries. Over time, this build-up causes them to narrow, harden, and stiffen—a condition called atherosclerosis. This reduces blood flow, which can cause:

Heart attack: If FH is untreated, the risk of fatal or nonfatal heart attack rises 50% in men younger than 50, and 30% in women under 60. This dangerous condition is often the result of coronary artery disease (CAD).      

Heart disease: Aside from CAD, heart failure can also occur, which is when insufficient amounts of blood reach the rest of the body. In addition, arrhythmia—irregular heartbeat—can occur.  

Stroke: Interruptions in blood flow to the brain associated with high cholesterol greatly increase the chance of developing a stroke, in which clots cause brain cells to die. This potentially fatal condition severely impacts neurological function.  

Peripheral vascular diseases: Interrupted blood flow in the limbs causes peripheral artery disease (PAD), leading to numbing, cramping, and pain when walking. These conditions can also affect skin and tissues in the limbs to heal.

Causes and Risk Factors

FH arises when genes associated with producing receptors that clear LDL cholesterol from the bloodstreams are mutated. Faulty copies of four genes—LDLR, LDLRAP1, APOB, or PCSK9—can cause the condition, with most arising due to LDLR mutation. Your chances of developing FH are 50% if one parent has it, and 100% if both do.

Heterogenous FH, by far the most common type, arises when a faulty gene from an affected parent is paired with a healthy counterpart from the other. Only about half of the receptors that clear out LDL are present in these cases. When both parents carry the variant, homogenous FH arises, in which these receptors are entirely absent.

Globally, FH is one of the most common genetic disorders seen; however, exact estimates of prevalence are difficult because the condition often goes undetected. That said, certain populations have been found to have higher rates of inherited high cholesterol:

Lebanese Christians

Afrikaners in South Africa

French Canadians

Ashkenazi Jews

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of FH involves a combination of physical examination of symptoms, and, most conclusively, lab tests. Critical among the latter is the lipoprotein profile, sometime called a lipid panel, which measures levels of LDL, HDL (good cholesterol), and triglyceride (another type), while also providing a total score.

Doctors suspect FH in the following cases:

High total cholesterol: In children, scores above 250 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL) prompt concern, with this figure rising to 300 mg/dL in adults.

High LDL: Levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol above 200 mg/dL in adults, and 150 mg/dL in children, can be signs of FH.

Physical symptoms: Those with xanthoma, corneal arcus, and Achilles tendon xanthoma will be suspected for FH.

Family history: Having an immediate relative with high cholesterol or early heart disease (onset younger than 55 for a father or brother, and 65 for a sister or mother) will warrant additional examination.   

In suspected cases, while several sets of criteria (such as MEDPED) are effective at catching cases, only genetic testing can conclusively determine the presence of FH. They will show which specific genes are abnormal, with mutations in LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9 genes seen in 70% to 80% of these cases.

Treatment

Because of its nature, taking on FH can be difficult, and it often involves a multifaceted approach. Medications can certainly take on this condition, but lifestyle changes can help a great deal. The key is timely detection and prompt management.

Medications

Diagnosis of FH usually means being put on prescription medication, with the primary goal of lower LDL cholesterol levels. For high cholesterol, you most often see the following classes of drugs prescribed:

Statins reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver and may also be taken for heart attack and stroke. Lipitor (atorvastatin), Lescol (fluvastatin), and Mevacor (lovastatin) are among the most commonly prescribed of these.   

Bile acid sequestrants affect liver function, hindering its digestive function, which burns up cholesterol. Also called “resins,” this class of drug includes Questran (cholestyramine) and Colestid (colestipol), among others.

Fibrates lower triglyceride levels and raise HDL to reduce the impact of LDL cholesterol. For FH, you may be prescribed fenofibrate, which is sold as Antara, Tricor, or Fenoglide.

Other classes of drugs often indicated are PCSK9 inhibitors (alirocumab and evolocumab), selective cholesterol absorption inhibitors [Zetia (ezemtimibe); ACL inhibitors (Nexletol (bempedoic acid)], omega 3 fatty acids, and niacin.   

LDL Apheresis

In difficult cases of FH, especially homogenous FH or heterogenous FH that’s resistant to drug treatment, a nonsurgical procedure called LDL apheresis may be attempted. The plasma of the blood is separated from the rest and run through a machine that removes the LDL. This is then combined with the rest.

Lifestyle Changes

While on their own, lifestyle changes may not be enough to reverse high cholesterol in FH, they can have a huge impact on outcomes. A recommended approach might include:

Steering clear of tobacco: Among the many negative aspects of smoking is elevated cholesterol levels; quitting can help bring them down.   

Adjusting diet: Steer clear of foods high in trans or saturated fats, like red meat or fried foods. Cut out sugars, whole milk products, and emphasize heart-healthy foods: fruits and vegetables, fish, poultry, and whole grains.

Getting exercise: Being more active can certainly help bring down cholesterol levels. If you aren’t active, aim for about 150 minutes a week, or about 30 minutes a day, five of the seven days. Even low impact activities like brisk walks or cycling can help.

Losing weight: If you’re overweight or obese, you’ll want to see about means of losing weight. Even modest losses of 10% of body weight can positively impact cholesterol levels. Talk to your doctor about how to safely and sustainability achieve your target weight.

Maintaining emotional health: Stress and anger can also cause cholesterol levels to climb. Adopting means to take on these negative emotions, like meditation or yoga, can also help.

Managing other conditions: Diabetes mellitus, which affects blood sugar, is another cause of high cholesterol, as is hypertension (high blood pressure). Getting the right treatment for these conditions will also help lower your cholesterol.      

Prognosis

If caught early and treated appropriately, most cases of heterogenous FH can be effectively managed. This is why it’s important to carefully follow doctor’s orders about lifestyle changes and medications. Notably, such care will significantly reduce the chance of severe complications, like heart attack.

The outlook is considerably worse for homogenous FH. This form is notoriously resistant to treatment, and it’s associated with onset of early heart attack (under 55 in men, and under 65 in women). Careful monitoring and more aggressive treatment is necessary in these cases.

FAQs

What is genetic high cholesterol?

Clinically referred to as familial hypercholesteremia (FH), genetic high cholesterol is high cholesterol that runs in families. Specifically, this causes elevated levels of LDL cholesterol (the “bad” kind), which is linked with an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease.

As an autosomal dominant disorder, parents with FH have a 50% chance of passing it to their children. The most common type is heterozygous FH (HeFH), which is when only one of your parents is carrying the gene variant that causes the condition. When both parents have it, in cases of homozygous FH (HoFH), two faulty variants are inherited. The latter is the more severe form.

How do you know if your high cholesterol is genetic?

If you’re found to have high cholesterol, your doctor will ask whether there’s any family history of the condition. If there is, this can be a first clue that your case is FH. The only way to conclusively know, however, is through genetic testing and counseling. Doctors look for mutations of the genes LDLR, LDLRAP1, APOB, or PCSK9, which help regulate cholesterol levels.

However, in about 20% to 30% of FH cases, standard genetic testing is unable to find the faulty gene. As such, negative results do not necessarily rule out a diagnosis.

What percentage of high cholesterol is genetic?

While about one in three Americans has high cholesterol, only about one in 200 adults has FH. Counting children, it affects an estimated 1.3 million Americans; however, about 90% of cases are undiagnosed. A vast majority of high cholesterol cases are due to other factors, such as diet and lifestyle.

Can you lower cholesterol if it’s genetic?

While high cholesterol can be tougher to take on if it’s due to FH, it can be managed. Making lifestyle changes such as adopting a cholesterol-lowering diet and increasing physical activity is the first step in lowering cholesterol.

Since FH cases are often resistant to these approaches, taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as statins or bile acid sequestrants, can further manage the condition. In severe cases of HoFH, pharmaceutical therapies may be supplemented with apheresis or liver transplant to normalize levels.

A Word From Verywell

While inherited high cholesterol can be difficult and dangerous, it’s important not to forget that it can be handled through a combination of medicine and lifestyle changes. Managed proactively and caught early, outcomes improve dramatically.

If you have any concerns about your cholesterol, or you know that FH runs in your family, don’t hesitate in talking to your doctor about getting tested. Certainly seek help if you feel any symptoms in your chest, limbs, or head.

A confirmed case is not the end of the world; it’s merely the beginning of the road to recovery. So long as you’re engaged in that process—and have help along the way—you’ll be able to take control of your cholesterol levels.    

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[harleystreets]

What is an ApoB Test?

Cholesterol and heart health are major concerns for many individuals, especially those with a family history of heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions. While most people are familiar with standard cholesterol tests that measure LDL and HDL, one important test that often goes under the radar is the ApoB test. But what is the ApoB test? This test offers deeper insights into your cardiovascular risk by examining a specific type of protein associated with cholesterol particles.

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Mk 2866 Ostarine Adverse Effects, Advantages & Dose Review 2021

Content

Sarms Are This Year's Large Muscle Mass Medicine Yet Are They Secure?

The Problem With Ostarine: Jimmy Wallheads.

Sarm Cardarine Gw501516 (60caps).

Cardarine For Insulin Level Of Sensitivity.

" Anabolic Steroids Are Understood For An Entire Host Of Undesirable Side Effects "

Intend to be a great fat burner pile, so far I have discover a slight quantity of additional muscle mass, yet very little fat removing. It's just been a month so I'm wishing that the next 2 months will certainly begin. This details as well as item is offered research functions just. We do not give any kind of guidance on the use of these products as UK Legislation stops this.

The enhancement of Hydralean brings an energizer approach to fat loss, increasing energy to educate, calories melted and also managing cravings. I have actually been on it for less than a week now, at one cap a day, and my last HIIT cardio post-weight session was extremely simple, like a breeze. That never occurred prior to, as well as I have actually greater than two decades of training experience. Oddly enough, I don't really feel improved stamina straight, yet cardio is just much easier so I can press harder/longer throughout cardio. GW1516 significantly boosts endurance which boosted glucose resistance and minimized fat mass build-up also in computer mice fed a very high fat diet, recommending that GW1516 may have a protective result versus weight problems. The half life is thought to be anything from hours, so if you do enhance to 20mg, as an example, it would be wise to split today and evening. Most people pick to present Cardarine while dieting, but as discussed, it has benefits which could be desirable at any time throughout the year.

Buy AICA 50mg Online Are This Year's Big Muscle Mass Medicine Yet Are They Risk-free?

GW is kept at area temperature level, in an amazing dark area, commonly a cabinet. GW has actually been banned for specialist usage due to the benefit it offers to endurance athletes. Those wanting a remarkable boost in endurance degrees will certainly discover that GW delivers. It takes effect very promptly and the results can be shocking. GW1516 is kept at room temperature level, in a trendy dark location, normally a cupboard. GW1516 has been banned for expert usage due to the advantage it offers to endurance athletes. Those wanting a significant boost in endurance degrees will discover that GW1516 delivers.

pharma lab global: Contact Us Today With Any Queries and Questions You Have Today from Hydrapharm piles two powerful all-natural muscle building contractors. The addition of Cardarine will certainly keep fitness as well as endurance as you get larger and more powerful. Cardarine is normally run for 6 weeks if made use of with SARMs like Ostarine. If used alone however, there is no actual 'rule' as to for how long it can be run.

The Trouble With Ostarine: Jimmy Wallheads.

My regimen was heavy weights with extensive cardio/ spinning and circuits training 5 days a weeks. Several users count on GW as it has actually revealed to melt off fat while still being non-catabolic verifying to still hang on to muscle while losing fat. Many users turn to GW1516 as it has actually revealed to thaw off fat while still being non-catabolic verifying to still hang on to muscular tissue while shedding fat. Cardarine was developed to boost stamina, as well as boost weight loss. Thanks to our cutting-edge Sarms Team we have had the ability to source as well as veterinarian our products in the UK, making costs for our Sarms as well as muscular tissue obtaining supplements much cheaper than anywhere else! 10mg daily for as much as 8 weeks has been shown to be most efficient on endrance and also fat buring.

But in bodybuilding terms, the only part that we truly wish to see results of size, mass and also toughness on is the muscles.

Androgen receptors are located throughout the body-- muscular tissue, bone, prostate, secondary sexual body organs and also critical blisters.

Dalton reveals that SARMs are "normally well-tolerated" in scientific tests, with "minimal prostatic results in males and virilising results in women".

Over the past five years, on the internet searches for SARMs (or "selective androgen receptor modulators", consisting of andarine as well as ostarine) have been increasing continuously.

The SARMS currently established are non-steroidal, which implies they are not vulnerable to the enzymatic metabolic process of target tissues.

Clients should check the validity of this item in their own country before purchase. The suggested dosage for GW is 10-20mg a day for a minimum of 8 weeks each early morning. Taking cardarine for females is as secure as it is for men, due to the reality that it will not bring about any androgenic side effects.

Sarm Cardarine Gw501516 (60caps).

The cardio gains were good as well as enabled me to press that little tougher every session. My sprints on the bike were stronger as well as longer before fatigue. When they discuss squeezing out reps I found this to be real additionally as well as as opposed to hostility throughout the exercise I would certainly say a lot more determination and also the capability to get additional associates prior to being identified.

Ive been taking 10mg a day so far first thing in the early morning and also I found if i didnt take it with food the cravings pains were too much. Im eating like an equine currently as well as am still obtaining shredded without actual diet regimen in position.

Cardarine For Insulin Sensitivity.

We would suggest 10mg day-to-day for women throughout of the cycle, with no need to taper or rise this at any factor. As low as 10mg daily is an efficient dose for Cardarine. We would suggest beginning as low as possible for your first cycle and also not going beyond the range offered by the details brand name you are making use of. However, it may be some time before we have a precise answer on the risk to award ratio of Cardarine, as well as at present the proof is naturally adequate to put some off. We would certainly recommend doing your own analysis of both sides of the argument below prior to making any final thoughts. Swelling guideline-- In some cases, PPAR delta agonists can have anti-inflammatory advantages, such as in the kidneys.

Reductions were observed in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-7.3%), triglycerides (-16.9%), apoB (-14.9%), and also totally free fats (-19.4%). As stated, berberine having Elixir with Cardarine is a strong combination to obtain blood sugar level in check. Anticipate muscle volume and high efficiency in the gym even in a severe calorie deficiency with this combination.

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Having high LDL cholesterol levels can place you at risk for establishing heart disease. Existing standards suggest that your LDL levels must be listed below 100 mg/dL. Nevertheless, not just does having high LDL cholesterol levels place you at risk for heart problem, the type of LDL particles distributing in your blood can also make a difference.

Oxidized LDL (OxLDL) is formed when the ApoB protein on LDL particles ends up being oxidized. Elevated levels may be the… , oxidized cholesterol blood test ,#bestcholesterolmedication,#doeggshavecholesterol,#doesgarliclowercholesterol, what foods cause high cholesterol,foods to avoid if you have high cholesterol,best cholesterol medication,do eggs have cholesterol,does garlic lower cholesterol,are eggs high in cholesterol,cholesterol test at home,best way to lower cholesterol,atorvastatin,,how to fix high cholesterol,,what raises cholesterol,,which cholesterol is bad,,lipitor side effects,,,does fish oil lower cholesterol,,are eggs bad for cholesterol,,high cholesterol medication,meds for high cholesterol

What To Do About Night Cravings

If you obtain food cravings at evening for alcohol or sugar, both may have downsides for rest. This write-up covers those drawbacks as well as provides a straightforward and much better method to get to rest.

4 Facts That Prove Organic Food Is Really Better For You

Nowadays it can be difficult to understand food labels. Some tags state that the item is “100% natural”, while others say it is “natural”. Eggs can be “corn-fed”, “free-run”, “ranch fresh” and numerous various other variations. Yet just how can you tell what is most valuable to your health in the lengthy term?

Why Is Behavior Change Towards Healthy Diet and Lifestyle So Hard?

I’ve been considering this concern since reading an article that public health and wellness authorities in the UK intend to start classifying foods with “task matchings.”1 While only a proposition at this phase, these depictions would allow customers understand roughly the moment and sorts of activity called for to burn the calories in the item being purchased. A box of biscuits might, as an example, have a picture of an individual walking for 60 mins or swimming for half an hour to demonstrate the type of activity and size of time it would certainly take to burn the calories in one serving. With greater than 2/3 of the populace in the UK falling into the obese or obese category, this may be a good action ahead.

The Perfect Food to End the Post-Vacation Bloat

We took a short trip this springtime and with travel comes great deals of eating out. It is a satisfaction – not having to prepare or clean it up, locating restaurant treasures in an unfamiliar city. In numerous ways it is easier than at house – dish planning, purchasing as well as food preparation. I do delight in those points when I am not feeling time pressured, however it does obtain exhausting – 3 meals/day, 7 days/week. Vacation is a time to unwind, as well as being even more relaxed about eating normally happens also.

Travel Is A Trip – Take Health Goals on the Road

Pick foods sensibly when traveling. Today there are lots of alternatives to prevent sliding back to bad eating routines.

source https://healthyeatshere.com/the-dark-side-of-hdl-consult-qd-can-be-fun-for-everyone/

source https://healthyeatshere4.wordpress.com/2021/01/26/the-dark-side-of-hdl-consult-qd-can-be-fun-for-everyone/

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Is it time to retire cholesterol tests?

Measuring a blood protein, apoB, might save more lives from Latest News from Science Magazine http://ift.tt/2iXBwLA via IFTTT

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In this illustration of a low-density lipoprotein particle, apolipoprotein B (blue) is surrounded by various forms of cholesterol (orange and yellow) and other lipids.

Is It Time To Retire Cholesterol Tests?

Should apoB take the place of LDL in your next checkup? This Science Magazine Archives story looks at how genetic studies and clinical data have caused scientists to take another look at cholesterol tests.

By Mitch Leslie; December 6, 2017

The next time you go in for a medical checkup, your doctor will probably make a mistake that could endanger your life, contends cardiologist Allan Sniderman of McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Most physicians order what he considers the wrong test to gauge heart disease risk: a standard cholesterol readout, which may indicate levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or non-high density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol. What they should request instead, Sniderman argues, is an inexpensive assay for a blood protein known as apolipoprotein B (apoB).

ApoB indicates the number of cholesterol-laden particles circulating in the blood—a truer indicator of the threat to our arteries than absolute cholesterol levels, some researchers believe. Sniderman asserts that routine apoB tests, which he says cost as little as $20, would identify millions more patients who could benefit from cholesterol-cutting therapies and would spare many others from unnecessary treatment. "If I can diagnose [heart disease] more accurately using apoB, and if I can treat more effectively using apoB, it's worth 20 bucks," he says.

Sniderman and a cadre of other scientists have been stumping for apoB for years, but recent reanalyses of clinical data, together with genetic studies, have boosted their confidence. At last month's American Heart Association (AHA) meeting in Anaheim, California, for example, Sniderman presented a new take on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a famous census of the U.S. population's health. The reexamination, which compared people with different apoB levels but the same non-HDL cholesterol readings, crystallizes the importance of measuring the protein, he says. Across the United States, patients who have the highest apoB readings will suffer nearly 3 million more heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events in the next 15 years than will people with the lowest levels, Sniderman reported. As lipidologist Daniel Rader of the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine puts it, the question of whether LDL cholesterol is the best measure of cardiovascular risk now has a clear answer: "No."

But plenty of scientists disagree. "Many lines of evidence say there's not a lot more predictive power of apoB over LDL cholesterol," says cholesterol researcher Scott Grundy of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, who has helped craft several sets of cardiology care guidelines. And changing clinical practice would be disruptive. Standard heart disease risk guidelines downplay or omit apoB, and the algorithms that help doctors decide which patients to treat don't incorporate it.

ApoB backers have a new opportunity to make their case. A committee of researchers and doctors is reworking the most influential U.S. recommendations for cholesterol treatment, published by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and AHA, and should issue an update next year. The European equivalents are also being revamped, although a new version won't be ready for 2 to 3 years, says cardiologist and genetic epidemiologist Brian Ference of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, who is taking part in the rewrite.

Nobody expects these latest revisions to jilt cholesterol for apoB, but its advocates say there's increasing science on their side. Cholesterol cruises through our blood in several kinds of protein-containing particles, including HDLs, LDLs, and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs). When certain particles, such as LDLs and VLDLs, depart the bloodstream and get stuck in the lining of our arteries, atherosclerosis can result. Total cholesterol level was the first widely used indicator of this risk, but after researchers discovered that one form of cholesterol, HDL, may be protective, LDL cholesterol became the benchmark. Now, some physicians favor non-HDL cholesterol, which encompasses multiple cholesterol types, including LDL and VLDL.

All of these measures, however, reveal the amount of lipid in the blood, rather than the number of cholesterol-hauling particles. ApoB, in contrast, provides a direct measure of their abundance because each LDL or VLDL particle contains a single copy of the protein.

Still, even apoB advocates admit that LDL cholesterol's track record is pretty good. About 85% of the time, it provides an accurate indication of a patient's likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, Ference says. But that means it's wrong 15% of the time, he adds.

A 2009 study found that nearly half of patients admitted to hospitals because of heart attacks had normal or low LDL levels. So by measuring LDL alone, doctors risk overlooking people who need treatment or, if they are already taking drugs to trim their cholesterol levels, a more intensive regimen.

At the same time, some people taking drugs for what seem to be dangerously high LDL cholesterol levels may not need treatment, Sniderman says. A more discriminating test for cardiovascular risk could spare these people from potential side effects and save money. Although cholesterol-lowering statins are cheap, Sniderman notes that newer drugs given when statins aren't enough, such as the PCSK9 inhibitors, can cost tens of thousands of dollars per year.

Switching to measuring apoB would improve diagnoses because it better reflects the mechanism of cardiovascular disease, according to Sniderman. "The data support that it's the LDL particles themselves that are the bad actors," rather than the cholesterol they contain, Rader says. The more of these particles that course through a patient's blood, the more get stuck in the arterial walls and the higher the probability of cardiovascular disease. Because LDL cholesterol and apoB are intertwined, both measures give the same result for many patients. However, the amount of cholesterol a particle contains can vary. So LDL cholesterol levels can be misleading for patients who have few large particles or many small ones.

No current drugs drive down just apoB, making its impact difficult to untangle from the effect of lowering cholesterol overall. But in a 2015 paper, Sniderman and colleagues reanalyzed data from the famous Framingham Heart Study, which has been probing the causes of cardiovascular disease for nearly 70 years. The patients with the best odds of surviving for at least 20 years had low levels of apoB and non-HDL cholesterol, the team found. But the patients with the worst chances had high levels of apoB, even though their non-HDL cholesterol was low. Similarly, the reassessment of the NHANES data that Sniderman presented at the AHA meeting suggests that apoB is a better predictor of risk.

Also pointing to apoB's importance is a type of analysis in which researchers comb through genetic data from large numbers of patients to identify gene variants that influence a particular trait. Scientists then track the variants' sway on health, a method called Mendelian randomization because it relies on accidents of heredity to create comparison groups. "It's essentially nature's randomized trial," Ference says. In a study in The Journal of the American Medical Association in September, he and his colleagues dissected the impact of variants of two genes involved in cholesterol metabolism: CETP and HMGCR.

Using data from more than 100,000 patients, the researchers found that people with sluggish versions of the enzyme encoded by CETP showed equivalent reductions in apoB and LDL cholesterol levels and were less likely than people with vigorous versions of the enzyme to suffer cardiovascular crises such as heart attacks or strokes. But the scientists saw a telling difference when they analyzed patients who also produced underactive versions of HMGCR's enzyme. Although these people showed further decreases in LDL cholesterol, their apoB levels—and their cardiovascular risk—didn't decline by as much. That discrepancy suggests that reducing apoB has a bigger protective effect than lowering LDL, Ference says.

The picture is clear, says preventive cardiologist Seth Martin of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. "The totality of evidence is in favor of apoB being an important marker that can identify risk even when LDL is controlled."

But would the gains be worth the disruption? "The poor frontline primary care doctor doesn't want to have to think about apoB and non-HDL cholesterol," says preventive cardiologist and epidemiologist Jennifer Robinson of the University of Iowa in Iowa City, who was vice chair of the committee that drafted the most recent ACC/AHA recommendations in 2013. "It's too much information—and when you give people too much information they ignore it."

Cardiologist Robert Eckel of the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora, who was also on the ACC/AHA committee, agrees. "I don't see apoB changing the playing field very much," he says.

Many apoB advocates reluctantly concur. LDL cholesterol is deeply entrenched in medical routines, and "it's not going to change any time soon," Rader says. "I go from depression to worse depression," Sniderman says.

But if future guidelines start to emphasize apoB's diagnostic value and drug companies begin to target it, Ference thinks physicians will eventually pay heed to the protein. "The argument is that LDL cholesterol is good enough," he says. "But as we move toward more personalized medicine, it's not."

— sciencemag.org; Health

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IS SATURATED FAT BAD? NO. BUT IT’S NOT A HEALTH FOOD EITHER.

You were wrongly taught to fear saturated fat for decades. Now it’s making a comeback, however, claims about saturated fat’s benefits may be going too far. More than 60 years ago, in the court of public opinion, the American public convicted saturated fat of an unforgivable crime: attempted murder of a U.S. president. In 1955, while on vacation in Colorado, Dwight Eisenhower suffered a heart attack. “Suddenly people were frantic to understand the cause of heart disease,” says Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., and author of Smart Fat. In the years that followed, fat—and specifically saturated fat—took the blame. If you’ve spent most of your life avoiding saturated fat, this moment is a big reason why. The day after Eisenhower’s heart attack, the president’s physician recommended the nation cut down on fat and cholesterol, citing the work of a nutritionist named Ancel Keys.

How Saturated Fat Became a Villain

Later that decade, Keys published research connecting countries that consumed the most fat with higher rates of heart disease. His “Seven Countries Study” wielded great influence on how Americans eat. In 1977, a Senate select committee cited Keys’ research while making sweeping recommendations to the American people, stating you should consume less red meat — and by extension, less saturated fat — to avoid heart disease. That message hardened into national policy when the government issued the 1980 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which advised people to trim the fat from their steaks and avoid saturated-fat foods like butter, cream, and coconut oil.

Why Saturated Fat Made a Comeback

Today Keys' research is under fire. An analysis by researchers at Harvard looked at 21 studies and found no link between saturated fat and heart disease (or stroke). In 2014 an analysis of 76 observational studies and randomized controlled trials from the University of Cambridge concluded, “saturated fatty acids were not associated with coronary disease.” (The study also noted that some saturated fatty acids, notably the margaric acid found in dairy foods, was actually associated with a lower risk of heart disease.) Finally, a couple of years later, a third meta-analysis published in the British Medical Journal reached a similar conclusion. After looking at more than 62,000 people in 10 randomized trials, researchers found that while reducing saturated fat helped to lower cholesterol levels, the effect didn’t translate to a lower risk of death. And death is what matters in this debate, ultimately.

Saturated Fat Isn’t Evil. But Does That Mean It’s Healthy?

The seeming turn of the tide within the scientific literature has led to an even bigger shift in public perception. Today you’re hearing loud messages from popular health pundits proclaiming that saturated fat is actually a long lost health food. Some even say you should get more of it by drinking butter in your coffee. Wait. What? Now’s a good time to call a timeout and look at what’s really going on in this debate. Because both sides have gotten a little carried away. Let’s start with the first side of the pendulum swing, starting all the way back with Eisenhower’s heart attack. It was a gross oversimplification to place all the blame for that heart attack — and eventually, heart attacks in general — on saturated fat. First, let’s look at Eisenhower. The man was president at the time, and a five-star general before that — both stressful jobs, to say the least. Ike was also known to have a temper, and at one point smoked four packs a day. It’s fair to say there were confounding lifestyle issues.

WHILE SOME WORRY ABOUT THE SATURATED FAT IN RED MEAT, CHEESE IS A FAR BIGGER CONTRIBUTOR TO SATURATED FAT INTAKE. Second, saturated fat isn’t necessarily something most people eat in excess. The USDA and World Health Organization recommend you cap your saturated fat consumption at 10 percent of your daily calories. A 2007 analysis by researchers at Rutgers University showed saturated fat makes up about 11 percent of the average American diet. The top sources of saturated fat being full-fat cheese (8.5 percent), pizza (5.9 percent), and cakes and pastries (5.8 percent). It’s also true, as Sat-Fat supporters love to point out, that Ancel Keys' research showed correlation, not causation. “The lowest evidence,” as Bowden described it. Modern-day reviews have not been kind to the study’s findings. “The most recent evidence, which reviews all the evidence from the past decade, shows that when you feed people more saturated fat, that doesn’t increase their chance for heart disease,” says Kamal Patel, director of the nutrition research website Examine.com. But Patel quickly adds, “That still doesn’t mean that saturated fat is good for you.”

The Connection Between Saturated Fat and Cholesterol

There’s a lot we don’t yet know for certain about saturated fat’s effects on the body. But here’s one thing we do know: Saturated fat does increase LDL (i.e. “bad”) cholesterol. This has been proven many times. Elevated LDL doesn’t guarantee you’ll have a heart attack — a possible explanation for the researchers’ null association between saturated and heart disease. It’s just one risk factor among many. But the general consensus is that if your goal is to live longer, keeping your LDL low should still be part of the plan. “If you have two people who are exactly the same except that LDL is high in one person and low in the other, the person with high LDL will still be at a higher risk ,” says Dr. Spencer Nadolsky, a physician and osteopath based in San Diego. So modern evidence shows that, at the very least, the once dogmatic fear of saturated fat is overblown. But Nadolsky and others caution that this doesn’t necessarily mean you should actively seek more saturated fat within your diet. “Look at the Blue Zones,” says Nadolsky, referring to areas of the world where people live the longest. “Their cholesterols are low. They’re not putting butter in their coffee, but at the same time, they’re not entirely avoiding saturated fat.” In fact, they consume lots of dairies, mostly in the form of yogurt and cheese (albeit from sheep and goats, rather than cows). “I’m not anti-saturated fat,” adds Nadolsky. “The problem is when people say, ‘Look! Saturated fat’s not bad for you now!’ Then you get people putting butter in their coffee. And what I’m seeing, and other doctors are seeing this as well, is that people are having explosive changes in their cholesterol.”

Saturated Fat and Your Diet: Here’s What to Do Now

You may not need to make any changes at all. Your body doesn’t actually need saturated fat. “There are only two essential fatty acids,” says Patel. Those are alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3) and linoleic acid (an omega-6)—both of which are unsaturated. While some people thrive on diets high in saturated fat, your body might not. For some people—it’s unclear what percentage of the population—small amounts of saturated fat lead to big changes in cholesterol levels. “We call them hyper-responders,” Nadolsky says. Some day there may be a reliable genetic test that will show who these people are, but it doesn’t exist yet. It’s safe to say that if heart attacks are part of your family health history, you’d be smart to keep your saturated fat intake within the existing 10 percent recommendation. “If you have people in your family who had heart disease, despite having normal cholesterol, then you should probably do everything you can to decrease your risk,” Patel says. But if you’re still interested in adding more saturated fat to your diet, there is a relatively easy way to monitor how your body reacts to it. Schedule two cholesterol tests spaced one month apart. Take the first test while eating your current diet. Then make the dietary changes you wanted and take the second test. This is the approach Nadolsky uses to assess his clients. “You can tell pretty quickly if you’re going to have big changes to your LDL cholesterol,” he says. Another test, which some experts say is more accurate and should replace the standard cholesterol test, examines your blood’s concentration of apolipoprotein B, or the cholesterol-carrying protein that embeds itself within arterial walls. The apoB test, as it’s called, looks specifically at the particles of greatest threat. “When we check cholesterol , we’re just measuring the cholesterol on that low-density lipoprotein,” says Nadolsky. “But what really gets stuck in the wall is the lipoprotein, and that actually correlates better with risk.”

The Healthier Way to Eat More Saturated Fat

If bloodwork sounds too intense for you, then consider a simpler and safer way to add more fat to your diet: Skip the butter and eat nuts, avocado, and olive oil (all proven healthy fats) instead.

OLIVE OIL, AVOCADO, AND NUTS CONTAIN PROVEN HEALTHY FATS. “The safest fat to eat is monounsaturated ,” says Patel. “They always have a benign or positive effect on lipids, and on the end result for heart disease and heart attack.” Another saturated fat source that’s become popular in recent years is medium-chain triglycerides in the form of MCT oil, which is one of the saturated fat additives people have begun adding to their coffee in recent years. “MCTs don’t have to go through the liver, so they’re available for your body to use more quickly,” says Patel. That can be useful during extremely low-carb diets when you need energy. But Nadolsky adds, “I wouldn’t have anybody replace their olive oil or nuts with MCT oil. I don’t want to replace the fat that we know is beneficial with fat that may be of some little benefit for fat loss.” The bottom line is that saturated fat is a nutrient, not something that your entire diet should revolve around. The body of evidence, taken as a whole, indicates that saturated fat is neutral. You should neither go out of your way to eat more of it nor concern yourself with avoiding it. “You shouldn’t be scared of saturated fat,” says Nadolsky. “But you’d be better off focusing on your overall diet.” Read the full article