PCSK9

PCSK9: The Cholesterol Controller and Your Heart Health

Cholesterol levels are a major factor in heart health, and the PCSK9 gene plays a surprising role in this process. PCSK9, short for proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein involved in regulating the amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream.

How Does PCSK9 Work?

Think of your liver cells as having tiny "garbage collectors" on their surface called LDL receptors. These receptors grab onto LDL cholesterol (the "bad" kind) and remove it from your blood. PCSK9 acts like a "wrecking crew," destroying these LDL receptors. Fewer receptors mean less LDL cholesterol is removed, leading to higher levels in your blood, which increases the risk of heart disease.

Associated Diseases

Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)

Did you know

Familial Hypercholesterolemia affects approximately 1 in 250 individuals.