New Genes Linked To High Cholesterol

Scientists have scanned more than 100,000 genomes and uncovered up to 95 new genes that they say are responsible for high cholesterol and the associated risk of developing heart disease.

Millions of Americans are currently living with heart disease which is brought about by a poor diet which in turn raises levels of bad cholesterol but now evidence indicates that some cases may not be self inflicted.

Some people simply have bad luck and inherit high levels of cholesterol, and others can control their cholesterol by the types of food they eat.

For those battling their cholesterol levels, there are statin drugs on the market to help, with the main ones being Pfizer Inc’s Lipitor and AstraZeneca Plc’s Crestor.

The new genes that have been linked to high cholesterol levels, may one day lead to the production of new drugs to better target those living with the condition.

“These results help refine our course for preventing and treating heart disease, a health problem that affects millions of Americans and many more people worldwide,” said Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health.

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