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1. Blood Lipids
Blood lipids are essential energy providers as their breakdown releases large amounts of ATP.
Cholesterol is important for all body cells to maintain their plasma membranes, serves as
waterproofing for the epidermis and is a key component of bile, a precursor of steroid
hormones and vitamin D.
However, a high level of total cholesterol linked to a high LDL level is associated with an
increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the future. Blood lipid profile is
therefore a commonly used test offered for everyone over 40 years of age as a routine
cardiovascular health check.
In the UK, cholesterol:HDL ratio along with other risk factors such as age, gender, smoking,
certain chronic illnesses, high blood pressure or raised BMI is used by most doctors to
estimate the risk of developing myocardial infarction or stroke in the next 10 years.
In the case of elevated LDL and low HDL levels excess cholesterol in peripheral tissues cannot
be returned to the liver for excretion. It accumulates preferentially in atheromatous lesions,
together with macrophages and other inflammatory cells forming the core of atherosclerotic
plaque.
The small size of LDL particles and low resistance against oxidative modifications is associated
with atherosclerosis. In familiar hypercholesterolaemia genetic mutations determine the
reduced number of cell membrane receptors for LDL leading to elevated plasma LDL. By
targeting hepatic HMG-CoA reductase, statins reduce cholesterol biosynthesis, ultimately
reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.