James Buckley reveals genetic heart risk diagnosis

Actor James Buckley, best known for playing Jay in the sitcom The Inbetweeners, has revealed he has been diagnosed with a genetic condition that significantly increases his risk of a cardiovascular incident. The 38-year-old shared the health news on the latest episode of his podcast, At Home With The Buckleys, which he co-hosts with his wife, Clair.

Buckley explained that the diagnosis came after he underwent blood tests prompted by his wife's recent health scare. Clair was taken to hospital by ambulance after suffering from severe dehydration caused by a virus. Following her hospitalization, Buckley sought further medical checks, which revealed he has high levels of lipoprotein(a), a cholesterol-carrying lipoprotein in the blood.

According to the British Heart Foundation, lipoprotein(a) is a type of lipoprotein made by the liver. Its levels are determined by genes inherited from parents and are not directly affected by lifestyle factors. However, having higher levels can increase the risk of blood clots and cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks or strokes, by promoting faster plaque buildup in arteries. The condition typically presents no physical symptoms until a...