It\u2019s a paradox \u2014 one of many that challenge our beliefs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cholesterol is a word that strikes fear into the heart. But does it also strike disease? Because here\u2019s the curious thing: having a high cholesterol level is associated with living a longer life, especially if you have heart disease. Confused? Of course you are! Welcome to the cholesterol paradox.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The term \u201ccholesterol paradox\u201d was coined as early as 2006 (if not before), when a study<\/a> of data collected from 24 countries, involving nearly 11,000 patients with heart disease, found that \u201cLow cholesterol levels were associated with worse prognosis in patients with acute heart failure.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n That was just the start of it. Since then, many studies have been published that discuss this baffling observation, one that has been replicated many times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Indeed, raised total cholesterol has been shown to be a predictor of survival \u2014 in a study<\/a> of 114 patients with chronic heart failure, the chances of survival increased by 25% for each mmol\/l increment in total cholesterol. Similarly, it has been found that most \u2014 nearly 75%<\/a> \u2014 of people who are admitted to hospital with heart attack have normal cholesterol levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To continue reading this article, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Copyright \u00a9 2021 Maria Cross All rights reserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Image: fs HH on Pixabay<\/p>\n\n\n