Lower cholesterol levels associated with an 89% increased risk of coronary heart disease death rates in women

This study was published in PLoS One 2014 Dec 5;9(12):e114283

Study title and authors:
Health factors and risk of all-cause, cardiovascular, and coronary heart disease mortality: findings from the MONICA and HAPIEE studies in Lithuania.

Tamosiunas A, Luksiene D, Baceviciene M, Bernotiene G, Radisauskas R, Malinauskiene V, Kranciukaite-Butylkiniene D, Virviciute D, Peasey A, Bobak M.
Institute of Cardiology, Academy of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25479610

This study investigated the association of various health factors with all-cause and cardiovascular death rates. Data was collected over 25 years on 9,209 men and women aged 45-64.

Regarding cholesterol levels the study found:
(a) Men with cholesterol levels less than 5.2 mmol/L (201 mg/dL) had a 29% higher death rate than men with cholesterol levels more than 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(b) Women with cholesterol levels less than 5.2 mmol/L (201 mg/dL) had a 4% higher death rate than women with cholesterol levels more than 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(c) Men with cholesterol levels less than 5.2 mmol/L (201 mg/dL) had a 15% higher cardiovascular disease death rate than men with cholesterol levels more than 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(d) Women with cholesterol levels less than 5.2 mmol/L (201 mg/dL) had a 52% higher cardiovascular disease death rate than women with cholesterol levels more than 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(e) Men with cholesterol levels less than 5.2 mmol/L (201 mg/dL) had a 19% higher coronary heart disease death rate than men with cholesterol levels more than 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(f) Women with cholesterol levels less than 5.2 mmol/L (201 mg/dL) had a 89% higher coronary heart disease death rate than women with cholesterol levels more than 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).

Tamosiunas concluded: "We found that total cholesterol concentrations of less than 5.2 mmol/L (201 mg/dL) were associated with increased higher risk of mortality."

High LDL cholesterol helps you live longer

This study was published in Atherosclerosis 2015 Jan 14;239(1):137-142

 

Study title and authors:

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was inversely associated with 3-year all-cause mortality among Chinese oldest old: Data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey.

Lv YB, Yin ZX, Chei CL, Qian HZ, Kraus VB, Zhang J, Brasher MS, Shi XM, Matchar DB, Zeng Y.

Division of Non-Communicable Disease Control and Community Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25602855

This study examined the relationship between LDL-Cholesterol and all-cause mortality among the elderly. The study included 935 participants, aged 80 and older, who were followed for three years.

The study found:
(a) Each 1 mmol/L (38 mg/dL) increase of LDL-Cholesterol concentration corresponded to a 19% decreased risk of death. 
(b) Those with a LDL-Cholesterol concentration of more than 3.37 mmol/L (130 mg/dL) had a 40% decreased risk of death. 

The researchers concluded: "Higher LDL-Cholesterol level was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality. Our findings suggested the necessity of re-evaluating the optimal level of LDL-Cholesterol among the oldest old".

Low cholesterol levels predict high death rates in the very elderly

This study was published in Clinical Interventions in Aging 2014 Feb 13;9:293-300

Study title and authors:
Serum total cholesterol concentration and 10-year mortality in an 85-year-old population.

Takata Y, Ansai T, Soh I, Awano S, Nakamichi I, Akifusa S, Goto K, Yoshida A, Fujii H, Fujisawa R, Sonoki K
Division of General Internal Medicine, School of Oral Health Science, Kyushu Dental College, Kitakyushu, Japan.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24611005

This study evaluated the effect of cholesterol levels with death rates in the very elderly. The study included 207 very elderly (85-year-old) participants who were followed for ten years. The participants were allocated into three groups:
(i) High cholesterol: more than 209 mg/dL (5.4 mmol/L)
(ii) Intermediate cholesterol: between 176-208 mg/dL (4.5-5.3 mmol/L)
(iii) Low cholesterol: less than 175 mg/dL (4.5 mmol/L)

The study found:
(a) The group with the lowest cholesterol levels had a 72% higher death rate compared to the group with the highest cholesterol.
(b) Death rates decreased by 0.9% with each 1 mg/dL increase in cholesterol levels.
(c) Death rates decreased by 0.8% with each 1 mg/dL increase in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.
(d) Death rates decreased by 1.0% with each 1 mg/dL increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
(e) Death rates decreased by 0.3% with each 1 mg/dL increase in triglyceride levels.

Takata concluded: "These findings suggest that low TC (total cholesterol) and low LDL-C may be independent predictors of high mortality in the very elderly".

Men with low cholesterol, 140 mg/dL (3.6 mmol/L), have a higher risk of death compared to men with higher cholesterol of 250mg/dL (6.5 mmol/L)

This study was published in the Lancet 1986 Oct 25;2(8513):933-6

Study title and authors:
Serum cholesterol, blood pressure, and mortality: implications from a cohort of 361,662 men.

Martin MJ, Hulley SB, Browner WS, Kuller LH, Wentworth D.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2877128

The study determined the effects of cholesterol levels in middle-aged men. The study lasted six years and included 361,662 men aged 35-57.

The study found that men with cholesterol levels of ~140 mg/dL (3.6 mmol/L) had a ~14% increased risk of death compared to men with cholesterol levels of ~250 mg/dL (6.5 mmol/L).

Despite the fact the study revealed men with lower cholesterol levels had higher death rates, this study was used as evidence in the first report of The National Cholesterol Education Program in 1988 to lower the upper limit of normal cholesterol levels from 250mg/dL (6.5 mmol/L) to 200mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L).

Low cholesterol increases the risk of death by 75% after a heart attack

This study was published in the European Heart Journal 2001 Nov;22(22):2085-103

 

Study title and authors:

Assessment of absolute risk of death after myocardial infarction by use of multiple-risk-factor assessment equations: GISSI-Prevenzione mortality risk chart.

Marchioli R, Avanzini F, Barzi F, Chieffo C, Di Castelnuovo A, Franzosi MG, Geraci E, Maggioni AP, Marfisi RM, Mininni N, Nicolosi GL, Santini M, Schweiger C, Tavazzi L, Tognoni G, Valagussa F; GISSI-Prevenzione Investigators.

Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell'Infarto miocardico (GISSI), Associazione Nazionale Medici Cardiologi Ospedalieri (ANMCO), Italy.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11686666

This study investigated the risk factors for death in patients after they had suffered a heart attack. The study included 11,324 men and women from the GISSI-Prevenzione trial who were followed for four years.

Regarding cholesterol levels, the study found that those with the lowest cholesterol, under 190 mg/dL (4.91 mmol/L), had a 75% increased risk of death compared to those with the highest cholesterol, over 245 mg/dL (6.3 mmol/L).

Low cholesterol levels associated with higher death rates in critically ill patients

This study was published in Shock 2014 Apr 10

 

Study title and authors:

Cholesterol Rather Than PCT or CRP Predicts Mortality in Patients With Infection.

Biller K, Fae P, Germann R, Drexel H, Walli AK, Fraunberger P.

Medical Central Laboratories, Feldkirch, Austria

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24727873

This study investigated the association between various factors and survival levels in critically ill patients admitted to an intensive care unit. The study included 76 patients.

Regarding cholesterol levels, the study found non survivors had significantly lower cholesterol levels compared to survivors.

Biller concluded: "Our data show, that low cholesterol levels in patients with infectious disease have a prognostic value and may be useful markers to identify high risk patients already at admission".

Low cholesterol levels are associated with higher death rates

This study was published in the Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care 2013 Sep;31(3):172-80

Study title and authors:
Association of lipoprotein levels with mortality in subjects aged 50 + without previous diabetes or cardiovascular disease: a population-based register study.

Bathum L, Depont Christensen R, Engers Pedersen L, Lyngsie Pedersen P, Larsen J, Nexøe J.
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Slagelse Hospital, Region Zealand, Denmark. lbat@regionsjaelland.dk

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23941088

This study aimed to investigate the association of cholesterol levels with death rates in men and women free from diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study included 118,160 subjects, aged 50 and over, and lasted for nine years.

The study found:
(a) In men aged 50 - 60: Those with cholesterol levels between 6 - 7.99 mmol/L (232 - 309 mg/dL) had a 32% reduced risk of death compared to those with cholesterol levels below 5 mmol/L (193 mg/dL).
(b) In women aged 50 - 60: Those with cholesterol levels between 6 - 7.99 mmol/L (232 - 309 mg/dL) had a 29% reduced risk of death compared to those with cholesterol levels below 5 mmol/L (193 mg/dL).
(c) In men aged 60 - 70: Those with cholesterol levels between 6 - 7.99 mmol/L (232 - 309 mg/dL) had a 33% reduced risk of death compared to those with cholesterol levels below 5 mmol/L (193 mg/dL).
(d) In women aged 60 - 70: Those with cholesterol levels between 6 - 7.99 mmol/L (232 - 309 mg/dL) had a 41% reduced risk of death compared to those with cholesterol levels below 5 mmol/L (193 mg/dL).
(e) In men aged over 70: Those with cholesterol levels between 6 - 7.99 mmol/L (232 - 309 mg/dL) had a 38% reduced risk of death compared to those with cholesterol levels below 5 mmol/L (193 mg/dL).
(f) In women aged over 70: Those with cholesterol levels between 6 - 7.99 mmol/L (232 - 309 mg/dL) had a 41% reduced risk of death compared to those with cholesterol levels below 5 mmol/L (193 mg/dL).
(g) In both men and women between the ages of 50 -70: Cholesterol levels over 8 mmol/L (310 mg/dL) had no impact on death rates.
(g) (i) In men aged over 70: Those with cholesterol levels over 8 mmol/L (310 mg/dL) had a 33% reduced risk of death compared to those with cholesterol levels below 5 mmol/L (193 mg/dL).
(g) (ii) In women aged over 70: Those with cholesterol levels over 8 mmol/L (310 mg/dL) had a 41% reduced risk of death compared to those with cholesterol levels below 5 mmol/L (193 mg/dL).
(h) In men aged 50 - 60: Those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels over 4 mmol/L (154 mg/dL) had a 56% reduced risk of death compared to those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 2.5 mmol/L (96 mg/dL).
(i) In women aged 50 - 60: Those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels over 4 mmol/L (154 mg/dL) had a 31% reduced risk of death compared to those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 2.5 mmol/L (96 mg/dL).
(j) In men aged 60 - 70: Those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels over 4 mmol/L (154 mg/dL) had a 55% reduced risk of death compared to those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 2.5 mmol/L (96 mg/dL).
(k) In women aged 60 - 70: Those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels over 4 mmol/L (154 mg/dL) had a 53% reduced risk of death compared to those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 2.5 mmol/L (96 mg/dL).
(l) In men aged over 70: Those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels over 4 mmol/L (154 mg/dL) had a 37% reduced risk of death compared to those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 2.5 mmol/L (96 mg/dL).
(m) In women aged over 70: Those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels over 4 mmol/L (154 mg/dL) had a 40% reduced risk of death compared to those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 2.5 mmol/L (96 mg/dL).
(n) In men aged 50 - 60: Those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels between 1.5 - 1.9 mmol/L (58 - 76 mg/dL) had a 36% reduced risk of death compared to those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels below 1.0 mmol/L (38 mg/dL).
(o) In women aged 50 - 60: Those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels between 1.5 - 1.9 mmol/L (58 - 76 mg/dL) had a 60% reduced risk of death compared to those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels below 1.0 mmol/L (38 mg/dL).
(p) In men aged 60 - 70: Those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels between 1.5 - 1.9 mmol/L (58 - 76 mg/dL) had a 43% reduced risk of death compared to those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels below 1.0 mmol/L (38 mg/dL).
(q) In women aged 60 - 70: Those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels between 1.5 - 1.9 mmol/L (58 - 76 mg/dL) had a 65% reduced risk of death compared to those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels below 1.0 mmol/L (38 mg/dL).
(r) In men aged over 70: Those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels between 1.5 - 1.9 mmol/L (58 - 76 mg/dL) had a 35% reduced risk of death compared to those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels below 1.0 mmol/L (38 mg/dL).
(s) In women aged over 70: Those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels between 1.5 - 1.9 mmol/L (58 - 76 mg/dL) had a 46% reduced risk of death compared to those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels below 1.0 mmol/L (38 mg/dL).

This study shows that low cholesterol levels, low LDL and HDL cholesterol levels are associated with higher death rates.

Higher cholesterol levels in both men and women are linked to a longer life

This study was published in the Journal of Internal medicineVolume 254, Issue 4, pages 353–362, October 2003

Study title and authors:
Total cholesterol and mortality in the elderly

E. Casiglia, A. Mazza, V. Tikhonoff, R. Scarpa, L. Schiavon, A. C. Pessina

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Padova, Italy

This study can be accessed at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2796.2003.01200.x/full

The objective of the study was to evaluate whether cholesterol levels are associated with death rates  and to verify whether or not this is true for both genders. The study lasted 12 years and included a total of 3,257 subjects aged 65–95 years.

The study found:
(a) Women with the highest cholesterol levels had a 34% lower death rate than women with the lowest cholesterol levels.
(b) Men with cholesterol levels over 4.66 mmol/L (180 mg/dL) and a Body Mass Index above 25 had a 28% lower death rate than men with cholesterol levels below 4.66 mmol/l (180 mg/dL) and a Body Mass Index above 25.
(c) Men with cholesterol levels over 4.66 mmol/L (180 mg/dL) and a Body Mass Index above 25 had a 38% lower death rate than men with cholesterol levels below 4.66 mmol/l (180 mg/dL) and a Body Mass Index below 25.

The results of the study indicate that higher cholesterol levels in both men and women are linked to a longer life.

Men taking gemfibrozil have a 117% increase in cardiac deaths

This study was published in the Annals of Medicine 1993 Feb;25(1):41-5

Study title and authors:

Efficacy of gemfibrozil in dyslipidaemic subjects with suspected heart disease. An ancillary study in the Helsinki Heart Study frame population.

Frick MH, Heinonen OP, Huttunen JK, Koskinen P, Mänttäri M, Manninen V.

First Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8435186

The study examined the effects of gemfibrozil (a cholesterol lowering drug) on death rates in male patients who had symptoms and signs of possible coronary heart disease. The study included 626 patients, average age 49, who were followed for five years.

The men were given either:
(i) 600 mg gemfibrozil twice daily.
(ii) Placebo.

The study found:
(a) The men taking gemfibrozil lowered their cholesterol levels by 8.5%.
(b) The men taking gemfibrozil had 61% more deaths than the men taking a placebo.
(c) The men taking gemfibrozil had 117% more cardiac deaths than the men taking a placebo.

The results of the study show that taking the cholesterol lowering drug gemfibrozil results in lower cholesterol levels and higher cardiac death rates and higher total death rates.  

Higher cholesterol levels associated with lower death rates

This study was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine 1992 Jul;152(7):1490-500

Study title and authors:

Serum cholesterol level and mortality findings for men screened in the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial. Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial Research Group.

Neaton JD, Blackburn H, Jacobs D, Kuller L, Lee DJ, Sherwin R, Shih J, Stamler J, Wentworth D.

Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55414.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1627030

The study investigated the relationship between cholesterol levels and death rates. The study included 350,977 men aged 35 to 57 who were followed for 12 years.

The study found those men who had cholesterol levels between 200-239 mg/dL (5.1-6.2 mmol/L) had a 12% lower death rate than those men with cholesterol levels below 160 mg/dL (4.1 mmol/L).

Links to other studies:
Declining cholesterol rates in people over 65 are associated with a 630% increase in death rates
Low cholesterol leads to 80% higher death rates from nonvascular causes
Low cholesterol and increased mortality in men and women

The adverse health effects of low cholesterol

This paper was published in Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao (Journal of Peking University) 2010 Oct 18;42(5):612-5

Study title and authors:
Primary and secondary hypocholesterolemia

Song JX, Ren JY, Chen H.
Department of Cardiology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20957025

In this review of the literature Song examines the influence of low cholesterol levels (hypocholesterolemia) on health.

He found:
(a) Low cholesterol levels are common in the population.
(b) Physicians pay little attention to the diseases, causes and consequences of low cholesterol in clinical practice.
(c) Low cholesterol levels can result in some adverse events, such as increased death rates, intracerebral hemorrhage, cancer, infection, adrenal failure, suicide and mental disorder.
(d) Despite the adverse health consequences of low cholesterol, physicians are increasingly prescribing cholesterol lowering treatments such as statin drugs.

With all the adverse health effects of low cholesterol Song concludes: "It's high time that physicians attached more importance to hypocholesterolemia."

Links to other studies:
Stroke patients with low cholesterol are more likely to die and have poor neurological outcomes
Low cholesterol levels lead to a 20.2% increase in death rates in those who have had a stroke
Low cholesterol and serious complications after an ischemic stroke

Low cholesterol is associated with higher death rates in hospital patients

This study was published in the Annals of Clinical Biochemistry 1999 Sep;36 ( Pt 5):613-6

Study title and authors:

Hypocholesterolaemia in a hospital population.

Crook MA, Velauthar U, Moran L, Griffiths W.

Department of Chemical Pathology, Lewisham Hospital, London, UK.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10505211

The study examined the effects of low cholesterol in patients admitted to a hospital. 57 patients, average age 53, with various conditions and diseases were identified with cholesterol levels less than 3.0 mmol/L (116 mg/dL).

The study found:
(a) 18% of the patients with cholesterol levels less than 3.0 mmol/L (116 mg/dL) died during their hospitalization.
(b) 39% of the patients with cholesterol levels less than 2.0 mmol/L (77 mg/dL) died during their hospitalization.
(c) 71% of the patients with cholesterol levels less than 1.5 mmol/L (58 mg/dL) died during their hospitalization.

The findings of this study show low cholesterol is associated with higher death rates in hospital patients.

Links to other studies:
20 year study shows those with the lowest cholesterol levels have a 35% increase in death rates compared to those with the highest cholesterol
Older people with the highest cholesterol live the longest
30% higher death rate for men with falling cholesterol levels

High cholesterol levels lead to a longer life in very old people

This study was published in the Journal of Aging and Health 1996 May;8(2):220-37

Study title and authors:
Survival in the oldest old: death risk factors in old and very old subjects.

Dontas AS, Toupadaki N, Tzonou A, Kasviki-Charvati P.
Center of Studies of Age-Related Changes in Man.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10160559

This study investigated which factors predict survival in the ninth decade of life. The study included 210 subjects aged 68 to 79 and 287 subjects aged over 80.

Hematocrit is a measurement of how much space in the blood is occupied by red blood cells

The study found:
(a) In those aged 68 to 79, high  hematocrit levels predicted survival.
(b) In those aged 80 or over, high hematocrit levels predicted survival.
(c) In those aged 80 or over, high cholesterol levels, 8.0 mmol/l (309 mg/dL) or over, as compared with low cholesterol levels, 5.9 mmol/l (228 mg/dL) or under, predicted survival.

The data from the study shows that high high hematocrit levels and high cholesterol levels lead to a longer life in very old people.

Foods high in iron and protein such as liver, egg yolk and beef raise hematocrit levels.

High cholesterol levels are linked to a longer life

This paper was published in Circulation 1992 Sep;86(3):1046-60

Study title and authors:

Report of the Conference on Low Blood Cholesterol: Mortality Associations.

Jacobs D, Blackburn H, Higgins M, Reed D, Iso H, McMillan G, Neaton J, Nelson J, Potter J, Rifkind B, et al.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1355411

This paper featured an analysis of 18 studies that compared cholesterol levels with death rates. The  studies lasted between 9 and 30 years and included 172,760 men and 124,814 women.

The analysis found:
(a) Women with the highest cholesterol levels (over 240 mg/dL or 6.2 mmol/L) had 13% lower death rates than women with the lowest cholesterol (below 160 mg/dL or 4.1 mmol/L).
(b) Men with the highest cholesterol levels (over 240 mg/dL or 6.2 mmol/L) had 3% lower death rates than men with the lowest cholesterol (below 160 mg/dL or 4.1 mmol/L).

The results of this analysis of 18 studies shows that higher cholesterol levels are linked to a longer life.

Low fat, low cholesterol diets result in lower cholesterol levels and a higher death rate

This study was published in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 1978;109:317-30

Study title and authors:

Low fat, low cholesterol diet in secondary prevention of coronary heart disease.

Woodhill JM, Palmer AJ, Leelarthaepin B, McGilchrist C, Blacket RB.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/727035

The study set out to determine the effects of a low fat, low cholesterol diet on death rates in men with existing heart disease. The study included 458 men, aged 30 to 59, who were followed for up to seven years.

The men were allocated in groups to consume either:

(i) A low fat, low cholesterol diet.

(ii) Their usual diet.

The study found:

(a) The men following the low fat, low cholesterol diet lowered their cholesterol levels 4.5% more than the men following their usual diet.

(b) The men following the low fat, low cholesterol diet had 49% increased death rates compared to the men following their usual diet.

(c) The men following the low fat, low cholesterol diet had 44% increased heart disease death rates compared to the men following their usual diet.

The results of the study show that a low fat, low cholesterol diet results in lower cholesterol levels and a higher death rate.

Analysis of six trials show that as cholesterol levels are lowered the death rate increases

This study was published in the British Medical Journal 1990 Aug 11;301(6747):309-14

Study title and authors:

Lowering cholesterol concentrations and mortality: a quantitative review of primary prevention trials.

Muldoon MF, Manuck SB, Matthews KA.

Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15260.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2144195

This study analysed the findings of six cholesterol reduction trials. The participants in the six cholesterol reduction trials received either diet based, drug based, a mixture of diet and drug cholesterol lowering treatment or placebo. The trials lasted for an average of 4.8 years and included 24,847 male participants who were followed for a total of 119,000 person years. The average age of the men was 47.5 years.

The analysis found:
(a) The men receiving cholesterol reduction treatment reduced their cholesterol levels by about 10%.
(b) The men receiving cholesterol reduction treatment had a 7% increase in death rates compared to the men taking a placebo.

The results of this analysis of six trials show that as cholesterol levels are lowered the death rate increases.

Low HDL cholesterol levels are associated with increases in deaths from heart disease and cancer

This study was published in Arteriosclerosis 1988 Nov-Dec;8(6):737-41

Study title and authors:

High density lipoprotein cholesterol and mortality. The Framingham Heart Study.

Wilson PW, Abbott RD, Castelli WP.

Framingham Epidemiology Research Section, NHLBI, Massachusetts.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3196218

This 12 year study examined the association of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels with death rates from heart disease and cancer. The study included 2,748 participants aged 50 to 79.

The study found:
(a) Both men and women with the highest HDL cholesterol levels also had the highest total cholesterol levels.
(b) Men with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels had a 92% increase in death rates compared to the men with the highest HDL cholesterol levels.
(c) Women with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels had a 47% increase in death rates compared to the women with the highest HDL cholesterol levels.
(d) Men with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels had a 309% increase in heart disease death rates compared to the men with the highest HDL cholesterol levels.
(e) Women with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels had a 207% increase in heart disease death rates compared to the women with the highest HDL cholesterol levels.
(f) Men with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels had a 17% increase in cancer death rates compared to the men with the highest HDL cholesterol levels.
(g) Women with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels had an 8% increase in cancer death rates compared to the women with the highest HDL cholesterol levels.

The results of this study show that men and women with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels also had the lowest total cholesterol levels, and that low HDL cholesterol levels are associated with increases in deaths from heart disease and cancer.

Eating a diet rich in saturated fat is the best way to raise HDL cholesterol levels. See here.

Low cholesterol levels lead to significantly higher death rates

This study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 2001 Sep;49(9):1142-7

 

Study title and authors:

The value of serum albumin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in defining mortality risk in older persons with low serum cholesterol.

Volpato S, Leveille SG, Corti MC, Harris TB, Guralnik JM.

Epidemiology, Demography and Biometry Program, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11559371

The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between low cholesterol, albumin and death rates in older people. The study included 4,128 participants age 70 and older at (average age 78.7 years, range 70-103) who were followed for nearly five years.

Albumin is a protein in your bloodstream that helps transport a variety of important substances, including calcium, hormones, the protein bilirubin and important nutrients called fatty acids. Albumin also helps your blood maintain its osmotic pressure, which helps keep its water content from leaking through your blood vessels into surrounding tissue.

The study found:
(a) Those with low cholesterol had significantly higher death rates than those with normal and high cholesterol.
(b) Among participants with low cholesterol, those with albumin levels below 38 g/L had a 43% increase in death rates compared to those with albumin levels above 38 g/L.
(c) Among participants with low cholesterol and high albumin (above 38 g/L), those with levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol below 47 mg/dL (1.2 mmol/l) had a 32% reduction in death rates compared to those with abumin below 38 g/L.
(d) Among participants with low cholesterol and high albumin (above 38 g/L), those with levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol above 47 mg/dL (1.2 mmol/l) had a 62% reduction in death rates compared to those with abumin below 38 g/L.

The results of the study demonstrate that low cholesterol is significantly associated with higher death rates and that higher levels of albumin and HDL cholesterol are associated with lower death rates.

The best way to raise your albumin levels is to eat quality protein such as beef, pork, fish, chicken and eggs.

Eating a diet rich in saturated fat raises levels of HDL cholesterol the most. See here.

High cholesterol levels, and in particular, high levels of the so called "bad" LDL cholesterol are associated with a longer life span

This study was published in Age and Ageing 2008 Mar;37(2):207-13

Study title and authors:

Relation of plasma lipids to all-cause mortality in Caucasian, African-American and Hispanic elders.

Akerblom JL, Costa R, Luchsinger JA, Manly JJ, Tang MX, Lee JH, Mayeux R, Schupf N.

Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18349015

The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship of cholesterol levels to all-cause death rates in the non-demented elderly. The study included 2,556 non-demented elderly, aged between 65-103 years. Among participants, 66.1% were women, 27.6% were White, 31.2% were African-American and 41.2% were Hispanic.

The study found:
(a) The white's with the lowest cholesterol had a 120% increase in death rates compared to the white's with the highest cholesterol.
(b) The African-Americans with the lowest cholesterol had a 90% increase in death rates compared to the African-Americans with the highest cholesterol.
(c) Cholesterol levels were not related to death rates in Hispanics.
(d) The whites with the lowest levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol had a 80% increase in death rates compared to the whites with the highest levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
(e) The African-Americans with the lowest levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol had a 90% increase in death rates compared to the African-Americans with the highest levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
(f) The Hispanics with the lowest levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol had a 40% increase in death rates compared to the Hispanics with the highest levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

This study shows that higher cholesterol levels, and in particular, higher levels of the so called "bad" LDL cholesterol are associated with a longer life span.

Links to other studies:
A rise in total cholesterol reduces the risk of mortality in the oldest old
Low cholesterol and increased mortality in men and women
Low cholesterol and increased mortality and cancer in 40-69 year olds

Links to useful books;
The Great Cholesterol Con
Cholesterol and Saturated Fat Prevent Heart disease
Ignore the Awkward.: How the Cholesterol Myths Are Kept Alive

Low cholesterol levels are associated with an increase in death rates especially from cancer

This study was published in the British Medical Journal 1995 Aug 12;311(7002):409-13

Study title and authors:
Low serum total cholesterol concentrations and mortality in middle aged British men.

Wannamethee G, Shaper AG, Whincup PH, Walker M.
Department of Public Health, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7640584

7,735 men aged 40-59 were followed for nearly 15 years to examine the relationship between low cholesterol levels and causes of mortality.

The study found:
(a) Men with low cholesterol (below 4.8 mmol/l (185 mg/dL)) had a 60% increase in total death rates compared to men with cholesterol between 4.8-5.9 mmol/l (185-228 mg/dL).
(b) Men with low cholesterol (below 4.8 mmol/l (185 mg/dL)) had a significant increase in cancer death rates compared to men with cholesterol between 4.8-5.9 mmol/l (185-228 mg/dL).
(c) Low cholesterol levels were associated with an increased prevalence of several diseases and indicators of ill health.

To conclude: Low cholesterol levels are associated with an increase in death rates especially from cancer.