This is definately true, but many take AS over the course of MANY years. Low fat diets (especially low trans saturated fats) and the use of supplements like policosanol can help.
Apolipoprotein B is a receptor on the LDL (bad cholesterol) that binds to the LDL receptor in the liver as the LDL is passing through in the blood stream. The apo-B attaches to the receptor, makes the liver suck the LDL into the liver tissue where it is dissolved and released inside the cell fluid (cytosol). This increase of cholesterol inside the liver cells triggers a reduction of HMG-CoA and turns off the cholesterol production process in normal people. Some people have reduced amounts of or faulty receptors, and other problems.
Elevated Apo-A is associated with good cholesterol (HDL).Elevated levels of Apo B-100 correspond to elevated levels of LDL
There are factors that influence the amounts of apo-B and Apo-A in our body including :
Elevated lipo b :
Biliary obstruction
Diabetes
Drugs such as: androgens, beta blockers, diuretics, progestins
Familial combined hyperlipidemia
Hypothyroidism
Nephrotic syndrome
Pregnancy
Apo B-100 levels may be decreased with any condition that affects lipoprotein production, or affects its synthesis and packaging in the liver. Lower levels are seen with:
Chronic anemia
Chronic pulmonary disease
Drugs such as: estrogen ( in post menopausal women), lovastatin, simvastatin, niacin, and thyroxine
Hyperthyroidism
Malnutrition
Reye syndrome
Weight reduction
Severe illness
Surgery
Lipo-A is good raises HDL
Apo A-I may be increased with:
Drugs such as: carbamazepine, estrogens, ethanol, lovastatin, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenobarbital, pravastatin, and simvastatin
Familial hyperalphalipoproteinemia (a rare genetic disorder)
Physical exercise
Pregnancy
Weight reduction
Apo A-I may be decreased with:
Chronic renal failure
Coronary artery disease
Drugs such as: androgens, beta blockers, diuretics, and progestins.
Familial hypoalphalipoproteinemia (a rare genetic disorder)
Smoking
Uncontrolled diabetes
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So here is a case where estrogen is not evil. Estrogen helps keep Apo-A up and Apo-B down, whereas androgens do the opposite and increase the risk of atherogenesis (plaque formation in the arteries).
Diabetes, smoking, use of diuretics, hypothyroid states, using beta blockers for blood pressure control - all ought to inspire a budding bodybuilder to exert more caution in regards to their cardiovascular risk.
Exercise, niacin, policosanol, weight reduction all can reduce the added risks that apo-A and Apo-B alterations pose. However since niacin is potentially liver toxic it seems common sense that it should be used cautiously by people using oral anabolics.
I dunno - there is still alot to learn about lipids and cardiovascular risk. Certainly diabetics, people with high blood pressure, or family history of heart disease should be cautious in their use.
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