Genetic link to high cholesterol

In a latest medical breakthrough, British scientists have discovered a new genetic link responsible for high cholesterol.   Heart disease is the world's leading cause of death. It is caused by fatty deposits that harden and block arteries, high blood pressure which damages blood vessels, and other factors. In a new finding, scientists have found that people with the common DNA sequence are likely to have higher levels of the so-called bad cholesterol responsible for increased risk of heart disease.    To trace the genetic link in people with heart disease, British researchers analysed database with genetic information on 2,000 men and women with high blood pressure and then screened for 25 common measurements used to gauge the risk of heart disease. These included cholesterol, sodium and glucose, or blood sugar, levels. The results of this screening were compared to an even larger genetic database of 3,000 people.   The findings showed that a genetic marker could help in tracing high cholesterol and heart disease in people. The researchers located the gene on chromosome 1 and concluded one of two possible genes is the culprit.   This discovery could help in identifying and preventing the increasing number of heart disease cases in the world.