Fit Man's Arteries Blocked: Cardiologist Reveals Surprising Genetic Link

• A 38-year-old fit man, a daily gym-goer and non-smoker, experienced severe chest tightness, leading to the discovery of 100% and 90% blocked heart arteries.
• Cardiologist Dr. Ranjan Shetty explained that despite his fitness, the man had never been advised for heart health check-ups due to his athletic lifestyle.
• The primary reason for the blockages was identified as a genetic history of heart-related complications, specifically Familial Hypercholesterolemia.
• Familial Hypercholesterolemia is a hereditary condition where the liver cannot properly remove bad cholesterol (LDL), leading to plaque buildup in arteries.
• Dr. Shetty recommends annual lipid profile tests after age 20 for everyone, especially those with a family history, and immediate medical consultation for chest pain or breathlessness.

Why It Matters: Even fit individuals can face severe heart issues due to genetic predisposition like Familial Hypercholesterolemia.