The role of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the evolution of heart disease is fairly well established. In addition, the benefits of pharmacological treatment with agents that lower LDL-C in high-risk patients are well documented. Lipoproteins are biochemical structures that enable the transport of lipids such as cholesterol in the circulation. LDL-C represents the amount … Read more
Non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C) is a fraction that can be easily calculated from a traditional lipid panel. The value is strongly associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Over the years, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) has been the most commonly used lipid variable to predict risk (1). However, current evidence suggests that non-HDL cholesterol may be … Read more
There are several reasons why we should be interested in the amount of cholesterol circulating in our bloodstream. However, to interpret our cholesterol numbers, we have to know certain things about cholesterol and its role in health and disease. What Is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is classified as a sterol (a combination of steroid and alcohol) and … Read more
The results of the recently completed FOURIER trial suggest that we have taken a huge step forward in the pharmacological therapy atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). On February 2, 2017 the biotechnological company Amgen announced that the FOURIER trial evaluating whether the drug evolocumab (Repatha) reduces the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with clinically evident ASCVD … Read more
Elevated LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) is common among people who adopt a low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) lifestyle. That’s why many physicians and nutritionists remain doubtful when it comes to LCHF, despite overwhelming evidence that such a dietary approach improves several other lipid parameters, usually leads to weight loss and positively affects glucose metabolism. Several studies have shown that LDL-C constitutes a major risk factor for the … Read more