Good cholesterol, an ally of our health. But a new study just presented in Munich, Germany has shown that high HDL levels may be associated with an increased risk of heart attack and death.
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Good cholesterol, an ally of our health. But a new study just presented in Munich, Germany has shown that high HDL levels may be associated with an increased risk of heart attack and death.
The research investigated the relationship between HDL cholesterol levels and the risk of heart attack and death in 5.965 people, most of whom had heart disease. The mean age of the participants was 63 years and 35% were female.
The results were presented at the European Society of Cardiology Esc Congress.
Cholesterol, is it really good?
The author of the study, dr. Marc Allard-Ratick, of the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, United States, explained:
“It may be time to change the way we see HDL cholesterol. Traditionally, doctors tell their patients that the higher the 'good' cholesterol the better, but the results of this study and others suggest that this may no longer be the case. "
HDL cholesterol is considered "good" because the HDL molecule is involved in transporting cholesterol from the walls of the blood and blood vessels to the liver and eventually out of the body, thereby reducing the risk of clogged arteries and atherosclerosis. People with low HDL cholesterol have a higher risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. But the protective effect of very high HDL cholesterol is not fully understood. Hence the numerous researches to really understand the effects on our health.
The studio and values at risk
Participants were divided into 5 groups based on their HDL cholesterol level: less than 30 mg / dL (0,78 mmol / L), 31-40 mg / dL (0,8-1 mmol / L); 41-50 mg / dL (1,1-1,3 mmol / L); 51-60 mg / dl (1,3-1,5 mmol / L); and above 60 mg / dL (1,5 mmol / L).
During a four-year follow-up, 769 (13%) participants had a heart attack or died from cardiovascular causes. Participants with HDL cholesterol 41-60 mg / dL (1,1-1,5 mmol / L) had the lowest risk of heart attack or cardiovascular death. The risk was growing however both in participants with low levels (less than 41 mg / dl) both in those with very high levels (above 60 mg / dl.
Those with HDL levels above 60 mg / dl (1,5 mmol / L) had a 50% increased risk of dying from cardiovascular causes or having a heart attack compared to those with HDL cholesterol levels 41-60 mg / dl.
The researchers also considered other risk factors for heart disease such as diabetes, smoking and LDL cholesterol, alcohol intake, race and gender.
"Our findings are important because they contribute to an ever-growing body of evidence that very high HDL cholesterol levels may not be protective, and because unlike many other data available at this time, this study was conducted primarily in patients. with established heart disease " added dr. Allard-Ratick.
It must be said that low levels of good cholesterol, ie between 41-60 mg / dl, help to keep cardiovascular diseases away. As in everything, moderation is our best ally.
READ also:
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- Cholesterol: how to find out if you are at risk
- Cholesterol: 20 Steps to Keep It Down (VIDEO)
Francesca Mancuso
