J Clin Lipidol. 2026 Mar 15:S1933-2874(26)00073-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2026.03.009. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease develops in adulthood, but its metabolic precursors, such as dyslipidemia, often emerge during childhood.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the associations of parental LDL-C levels with their offspring's LDL-C levels and dyslipidemia risk.
METHODS: This study examined the intergenerational association between parental dyslipidemia (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]-defined) and offspring LDL-C levels using nationally representative data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017-2023).
RESULTS: A total of 2702 first-born children aged 7 to 18 years with available parental lipid data were included. Offspring hypercholesterolemia was defined as LDL-C ≥130 mg/dL, and parental dyslipidemia as a diagnosis of dyslipidemia (i.e. total cholesterol ≥240 mg/dL, LDL-C ≥160 mg/dL, or use of lipid-lowering medication). Linear regression was used to assess associations between parental and offspring LDL-C, and logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for offspring hypercholesterolemia (high LDL-C levels) according to parental dyslipidemia (LDL-C-defined). Statistical interaction terms between maternal LDL-C and offspring biological sex or age group (7-12 vs 13-18 years) were tested. Both maternal and paternal LDL-C were significantly associated with offspring LDL-C (β = 0.214 and 0.113, respectively; both P < .001). Offspring hypercholesterolemia (high LDL-C levels) risk increased with parental dyslipidemia (LDL-C-defined) (OR = 2.12 for father only, 4.03 for mother only, and 3.83 for both parents; all P < .01).
CONCLUSION: These findings highlight maternal LDL-C as a predominant determinant of offspring lipid levels and emphasize the importance of family-based early screening and preventive strategies.
PMID:41935911 | DOI:10.1016/j.jacl.2026.03.009