LDL-c level increases with age, so does the risk of atherogenesis

The LDL-c level starts to climb around 20 years of age (in men); it increases by about 50% until between 40 and 45-50 years of age. This is important when considering the accumulated LDL-c years of exposure; this natural rise in LDL-c levels contributes to the risk of development of atherosclerotic disease. The causal effect of LDL-c on the risk of atherosclerotic disease depends on both the absolute magnitude and the cumulative duration of exposure to LDL-c. In individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia or polygenic hypercholesterolemia, the accumulated LDL-c years of exposure have clinical consequences earlier in life, because LDL-c is elevated early in life.

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References