Reducing our cholesterol levels to those of a newborn baby significantly lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Dropping cholesterol levels similar to that of a new born reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke or heart disease by around one third.
- Statins along with alirocumab //reduced bad cholesterol levels to <50mg/dL in adults at risk of heart disease.
- Bringing down LDL levels to 39mg/dL decreased the risk of death from heart disease by 24%. Lowering cholesterol levels may be associated with a lower risk of heart attack, recent evidence has questioned whether very low levels are beneficial. In a study, led by scientists at Imperial College London, researchers analysed data from over 5,000 people taking part in cholesterol-lowering trials.They wanted to assess whether reducing cholesterol as low as possible is safe, and whether it was more beneficial than the current levels achieved with existing drugs.
- Kausik K. Ray et al., Reductions in Atherogenic Lipids and Major Cardiovascular Events, Circulation (2016), https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.116.024604.
- http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cholesterol-lowering-medicines-statins/Pages/Introduction.aspx.
Cholesterol - Lipoproteins - Functions - Normal Blood Cholesterol Levels - Causes - Treatment - FAQs
Cholesterol is produced by the body (liver) and is essential for normal body functioning.
Cholesterol is produced by the body (liver) and is essential for normal body functioning.
‘LDL carries cholesterol to cells and deposits the excess in artery walls, which is a risk for heart attack. So, reducing LDL levels with combination therapy of statins and alirocumab reduces risk of heart disease.’
The scientists found that dropping cholesterol to the lowest level possible - to levels similar to those we were born with - reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke or fatal heart disease by around one third. Professor Kausik Ray, lead author of the research from the School of Public Health at Imperial, said, "Experts have been uncertain whether very low cholesterol levels are harmful, or beneficial. This study suggests not only are they safe, but they also reduced risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke."
In the paper, the scientists examined levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol or 'bad' cholesterol, as it is responsible for clogging arteries. LDL cholesterol maintained at 100 mg/dL or below is recommended safe.
Foods to Avoid to Reduce High Cholesterol
List of food sources that have huge amounts of cholesterol and saturated fats bad for health. Cholesterol-rich foods article briefs about healthy eating tips, exercise, weight management.
List of food sources that have huge amounts of cholesterol and saturated fats bad for health. Cholesterol-rich foods article briefs about healthy eating tips, exercise, weight management.
Over half the patients were on alirocumab, every two weeks via a small injection along with statin therapy. Alirocumab may be needed when patients' cholesterol levels are not sufficiently lowered by statins.
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Low Cholesterol Diet- The Pivotal Chemical
Cholesterol - The Pivotal Chemical in Low Cholesterol Diet
Cholesterol - The Pivotal Chemical in Low Cholesterol Diet
The researchers found lowering levels of cholesterol reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, angina or death from heart disease, and that for every 39mg/dL reduction in LDL, the risk reduced by 24 percent.
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High Cholesterol | Hypercholesterolemia - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
High cholesterol level in blood are a risk for heart disease and stroke. They get deposited in the wall of the arteries and clog the circulation posing a threat to life.
High cholesterol level in blood are a risk for heart disease and stroke. They get deposited in the wall of the arteries and clog the circulation posing a threat to life.
He explained the team now need to gather longer-term data, to see if the beneficial effects continue. He added we need to wait until these trials have been fully analysed before we can fully assess the benefits of alirocumab.
Reference
Source-Medindia
