People with a genetic condition that gives them high cholesterol are much more likely to have a heart attack or stroke within 10 years if they also have metabolic syndrome — even if their cholesterol is being managed.

People with this inherited high-cholesterol condition who also have metabolic syndrome are almost five times more likely to die from any cause over the next 30 years.

If someone has high cholesterol from birth and also has metabolic syndrome, they’re nearly five times more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or need a heart procedure within 10 years.

Cardiovascular risk persists despite low LDL cholesterol levels if concomitant metabolic syndrome, hypertension, chronic inflammation, or dysglycemia remain unaddressed.

Adult males with metabolic syndrome based on National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines have a 73% higher chance of silent heart disease compared to those without, according to the study. This finding is from the abstract summary - full study details were not available

Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and obesity are stronger predictors of cardiovascular risk than LDL cholesterol levels alone.