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• Introduction
• Cholesterol's Effect on the Heart
• Cholesterol's Effect on the Brain
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Cholesterol

Description

An in-depth report on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of unhealthy cholesterol levels.

Alternative Names

Hypercholesterolemia; LDL; HDL; Triglycerides

Highlights

Cholesterol Trends

Older Americans are making strides in lowering their total cholesterol levels, but younger adults’ levels are increasing, according to survey data published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and the journal Circulation . Experts think that more widespread use of statin therapy is helping older people reduce their total cholesterol levels. Increasing obesity and poor lifestyle habits may account for the less encouraging trend in younger people.

LDL and Heart Disease

Small lifetime reductions in LDL can make a big difference in heart health. Keeping low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels low at a younger age can prevent the later development of heart disease. A 2006 study in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests the importance of treating unhealthy cholesterol early in life. A healthy diet and weight control are the best first steps for cholesterol management.

Statin Drugs

Statin drugs may be able to reverse heart disease, suggests a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association . The study found that rosuvastatin (Crestor) not only significantly reduces LDL levels but also lowers fatty build-up in clogged arteries. Future research will determine if other statins have a similar positive effect. Rosuvastatin is better at lowering LDL than other statin drugs, but it also has a greater risk for serious side effects.

Low-Carb Diets

Low-carbohydrate diets may improve triglyceride and HDL levels, but they also raise LDL levels, indicates a 2006 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine . Experts do not recommend low-carb diets for cholesterol control.

Soy Foods

Soy does not reduce cholesterol or heart disease risk, according to an American Heart Association (AHA) science advisory. The AHA, however, still recommends including soy foods as part of a heart healthy diet.

• Review Date: 4/12/2006
• Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.

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