#203 - AMA #34: What Causes Heart Disease?

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) represents the most significant threat to human longevity, functioning as an inevitable condition that affects nearly everyone who lives long enough. Contrary to the common perception that it is exclusively a disease of the elderly, over 50% of men and one-third of women suffer their first major cardiac event—such as a heart attack, stroke, or sudden death—before age 65. Because the initial clinical presentation is frequently fatal, early awareness and mitigation are critical. Cholesterol, while essential for life as a fundamental component of cell membranes and hormone production, becomes pathogenic when it accumulates within artery walls. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of this accumulation, rather than relying solely on circulating lipid levels, provides the necessary foundation for effective long-term prevention and health span optimization.