Is LDL Cholesterol Genetic?

Explore LDL Cholesterol and what your DNA can tell you

What is LDL cholesterol?

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) helps carry cholesterol from from your liver to other cells in your body. 

The body needs cholesterol to build cells, make hormones, and carry out other tasks. But if there’s too much LDL cholesterol in the blood, it can build up on the walls of blood vessels. This can make it  harder for the blood to flow to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body. For this reason, LDL cholesterol is sometimes called “bad” cholesterol. 

How LDL cholesterol can impact your health 

High LDL cholesterol can increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease (narrowing of blood vessels outside the heart). People with high LDL cholesterol may not have any symptoms initially, which is why regular cholesterol screenings are important.

Is high LDL cholesterol genetic? 

Genetics can play a role in the development of high LDL cholesterol. There’s a genetic condition called familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) that causes very high LDL cholesterol levels starting at a young age. In addition, there are many other genetic variants that can have a smaller impact on LDL cholesterol levels. Note that 23andMe’s LDL Cholesterol report (Powered by 23andMe Research) does not include variants linked to familial hypercholesterolemia. 

A family history of high cholesterol can also increase the risk for developing the condition. 

Other factors that may cause an increased likelihood of high LDL cholesterol

Besides genetics, there are other factors that can impact your chances of developing high LDL cholesterol. Eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can help lower the chances of developing high LDL cholesterol. Increasing age, being pregnant, certain health conditions, and currently taking certain medications can increase the chances.

Did you know?

About 55% of people in the U.S. will develop high cholesterol by their 70s. 

Find out if your genetics might increase your likelihood of developing high LDL cholesterol 

Curious if you have an increased likelihood of developing high LDL cholesterol based on your genetics? 23andMe takes into account more than 2,000 genetic markers to estimate the likelihood of developing high LDL cholesterol. Find out more with the LDL Cholesterol report (Powered by 23andMe Research), part of the 23andMe+ Premium membership. 23andMe+ Premium includes everything in our Health + Ancestry Service plus new premium reports and features throughout the year.

Please note:

• The LDL Cholesterol report (Powered by 23andMe Research) does not diagnose high LDL cholesterol and should not be used to make medical decisions.
• The report was developed by 23andMe scientists using data and insights gathered from thousands of customers who consent to participate in our research. Reports based on 23andMe research provide an estimate of your likelihood of developing a condition based on your genetics and other factors. This report does not account for lifestyle or family history.
• The report does not account for every possible genetic variant that could affect your likelihood of developing high LDL cholesterol, and it does not include variants linked to familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).

References

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Bartels Ä et al. (2011). “Cholesterol in pregnancy: a review of knowns and unknowns.” Obstet Med. 4(4):147-51. 

Benjamin EJ et al. (2019). “Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2019 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association.” Circulation. 139(10):e56-e528. 

Bonaca MP et al. (2018). “Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Lowering With Evolocumab and Outcomes in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: Insights From the FOURIER Trial (Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research With PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects With Elevated Risk).” Circulation. 137(4):338-350. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). “Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Prevalence & Trends Data.” Retrieved May 4, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/brfss/brfssprevalence/. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Cholesterol.” Retrieved Nov 25, 2019, from https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/. 

Ference BA et al. (2017). “Low-density lipoproteins cause atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. 1. Evidence from genetic, epidemiologic, and clinical studies. A consensus statement from the European Atherosclerosis Society Consensus Panel.” Eur Heart J. 38(32):2459-2472. 

Grundy SM et al. (2019). “2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol: Executive Summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines.” J Am Coll Cardiol. 73(24):3168-3209. 

Herink M et al. (2000). “Medication Induced Changes in Lipid and Lipoproteins.” Accessed Nov 1, 2019. 

Muntner P et al. (2013). “Trends in the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of high low density lipoprotein-cholesterol among United States adults from 1999-2000 through 2009-2010.” Am J Cardiol. 112(5):664-70. 

Rizos CV et al. (2011). “Effects of thyroid dysfunction on lipid profile.” Open Cardiovasc Med J. 5:76-84.