PCSK9 Archives | Surrey Cardiovascular Clinic

The SCVC Blog

Cardiovascular care news and articles from our expert team

PCSK9, visceral fat, and the modern metabolic environment

Because cholesterol is a fat-like substance, it cannot dissolve or travel freely in blood, which is mostly water. To move around, it must be packaged into microscopic transport particles called lipoproteins. One of these, LDL (low-density lipoprotein), acts as the main delivery vehicle, carrying cholesterol from the liver to cells that need it for repair or hormone production. In small amounts, LDL cholesterol is therefore completely normal and necessary. The problem only begins when too much LDL remains circulating in the blood for too long.

What are the latest guidelines target for LDL?

For patients who have been diagnosed with an acute coronary syndrome, requiring bypass surgery or stent, or have CT Angiography and or raised FAI, the latest European and UK guidelines reflect the finding that there is no lower limit for LDL yet discovered, basically meaning the lower the better. These recommendations come after new trials with lower targets showed better outcomes. As a result, millions of people around the world need to be looking more carefully at whether they are taking sufficient medication to lower their LDL to these new targets, for the very best outcomes to be achieved.

The Role of Gain of Function Mutations in Heart Disease

By enhancing PCSK9 activity and increasing LDL cholesterol levels, gain of function mutations could have given our ancestors a survival edge, helping them ward off potentially lethal infections. Over time, as these mutations passed down generations contributing to the widespread issue of high LDL cholesterol and coronary artery disease we observe today.

Will PCSK9 Inhibitors replace statins?

This article looks into the role of PCSK9, the development of PCSK9 inhibitors, their efficiency, and their potential as a game-changer in the management of cardiovascular diseases. It provides a short exploration of the subject, drawing upon the most recent and relevant research and guidelines.