The Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) is considered to be the bad cholesterol due to its tendency to stick to artery walls and cause atherosclerosis and other dangerous conditions related to clogged and narrowed arteries. Lowering LDL levels in the blood is obligatory to eliminate the risk involved and this can be naturally achieved through proper diet and lifestyle changes.

However, recent studies have indicated that some people are genetically prone to higher levels of LDL putting them is serious risk for heart diseases unless they take extreme measures in reducing a their overall blood cholesterol. It seems that a form of gene found in some African-American men can cause their blood cholesterol level to be higher in more than 8-15 percent then others by default.

The alleged gene is called MTP and the dangerous form that causes the blood cholesterol to be high is called TT. The research had found that black men with TT form of MTP had significantly higher levels of triglicerydes, LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B. Seven percent of all African American men have been found to have the TT form of the MTP gene and several white men had also been diagnosed with the same TT form of MTP making them genetically prone to higher levels of cholesterol and the risk involved regardless of how low in cholesterol their diet is.

As part of the study factors like smoking, high in saturated fat diet and poor lifestyle were taken in consideration and the conclusion was that people with TT form of the MTP gene will be in greater risk for a heart disease if all other factors are equal.

These findings should give a fair warning to people who were diagnosed with the TT form of MTP, to African American men and to white men with this genetic tendency to become aware of the danger associated with high blood cholesterol, and start taking control over their cholesterol levels by stepping into a low fat and low in cholesterol diet, taking the required supplements, minimizing stress and increasing exercise.