Studies say Women are Prone to Cholesterol and Heart Disease

It is a universal fact that women and men are different – emotionally, physically and biologically. However, new studies have confirmed that genetic differences between the genders could have a considerable impact on the health issues of the individuals. Recent studies have brought new breakthroughs in this aspect, identifying the health risk factors in woman’s gene. It has been found that women are more vulnerable to cholesterol risks than men because of their genetic difference.

High cholesterol is a major reason for heart disease, and this is why many people go for cholesterol-reducing diets and statin drugs to control it. Though there can be many risk factors for having increased cholesterol level, recent studies have shown a new factor, particularly for women, to be in their genes. It has been concluded that women are prone to the effects of LDL, low-density lipoprotein, mainly because of their genes.

It was found that more than 30% of the women are identified to have the defective genes that impact cholesterol. The team studied the connection between cholesterol processing and estrogen, providing a new view on estrogen’s role in regulating cholesterol levels. It was observed that estrogen in most women tend to offer a protective layer to heart. However, there was a common variant in genes known as the GPER or G-Protein Estrogen Receptor, which seems to disrupt the normal process. So, when GPER/ estrogen receptor 30 is coupled with G-protein and is activated by estrogen, it helps in lowering LDL cholesterol. This process levels the blood cholesterol through inhibiting the PCSK-9 proteins.

LDL was found to get attached to these receptors, and gets broken down in liver. This leads to reduced functioning of LDL receptors, hindering the process of getting rid of bad cholesterols. Researchers say that knowing about the defective GPER gene in women can help in reducing the blood pressure and cholesterol levels to a greater extent.

The research provided a better overview of post-menopausal women at the risk of heart disease, because of their low estrogen level. The study also gives a gender-specific approach in treating cholesterol levels and other heart disease risks.