Understanding the health risks of high LDL cholesterol
Reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol may lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes
August 6, 2026
What does high cholesterol mean?
Cholesterol is obtained from food and produced by the liver. It carries out several important functions in our body, including the synthesis of new cells, some hormones and substances that help digest food. There are two kinds of cholesterol: high-density lipids (HDL) and low-density lipids (LDL). Too much LDL cholesterol can pose a problem.
LDL-C, also known as bad cholesterol, is known to combine with fats and other substances leading to the buildup over time of fatty deposits, known as atherosclerotic plaques, on and within the inner walls of arteries. This may increase an individual’s risk of heart attack or stroke. People with elevated LDL-C levels in their blood have a condition called hypercholesterolemia.
Certain health conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as behavior and lifestyle factors like smoking, eating a diet high in saturated and trans fats and lack of exercise, have been shown to increase a person’s risk for hypercholesterolemia. Other factors that increase risk include a family history of cardiovascular (CV) disease, older age and gender (women tend to have lower LDL levels than men until ~55 years of age or until menopause).
SEE ONE PATIENT’S JOURNEY: A call to action: Lowering LDL cholesterol
Hypercholesterolemia: a major causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease
Hypercholesterolemia is a leading contributor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), a condition caused by the buildup of plaque within arteries, leading to narrowed or blocked blood vessels. This may result in cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke and continues to pose a significant health burden.
The CV epidemic
Adults live with hypercholesterolemia; ~86M adults in the U.S. are affected
People worldwide are affected by cardiovascular disease
Deaths from cardiovascular disease in 2021; ~900K deaths in the U.S. in 2023
Despite widespread availability of therapeutic interventions, 70% of the patients treated with lipid-lowering therapies are not achieving guideline recommended reductions in LDL cholesterol and, as a result, remain at risk for serious cardiovascular events.
“We have a proud legacy of translating science into medicines that have changed the outlook of CV disease. We continue to build on our nearly 70-year history in advancing research to help address the CV epidemic.”
- Dr. Puja Banka
Associate vice president, clinical research and global clinical development
Cardiovascular disease continues to be one of the most serious global health challenges. We strive for scientific excellence and are committed to advancing research for patients impacted by cardiovascular diseases.
“For nearly 70 years, our company has been developing medicines to help address the burden of cardiovascular disease,” said Banka. “Our work combines our deep expertise in scientific excellence and our strong medicinal chemistry capabilities.”
Learn more about our commitment to cardiometabolic and respiratory health.
