"Recovered" unpublished data reveals that lowering cholesterol levels increase the risk of death by 22%

This study was published in the BMJ 2016 Apr 12;353:i1246

Study title and authors:
Re-evaluation of the traditional diet-heart hypothesis: analysis of recovered data from Minnesota Coronary Experiment (1968-73).

Ramsden CE, Zamora D, Majchrzak-Hong S, Faurot KR, Broste SK, Frantz RP, Davis JM, Ringel A, Suchindran CM, Hibbeln JR.
USA Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Program on Integrative Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA Chris.Ramsden@nih.gov.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27071971

The objective of this study was to review the findings (by analysing unpublished "recovered" data from the original study investigators) of the Minnesota Coronary Experiment. The Minnesota Coronary Experiment was a double blinded, parallel group, randomized controlled dietary intervention trial conducted between 1968 - 1973, and was to designed to prove that increasing the polyunsaturated fat, (linoleic acid), and decreasing saturated fat in the diet would reduce cardiovascular events and deaths. It was the largest (9,570 participants, aged 20-97 years) and perhaps the most rigorously executed dietary trial of cholesterol lowering by replacement of saturated fat with vegetable oil rich in linoleic acid.

In the study participants were recruited from mental hospitals or nursing homes in the Minnesota area. They were divided into two groups:
(1) The intervention diet group had their dietary saturated fat cut in half (from 18.5% to 9.2% of calories) and their polyunsaturated linoleic fat intake massively increased from 3.4% to 13.2% of calories (a 280% increase).
(2) The control diet group did not change their saturated fat intake but did increase polyunsaturated linoleic acid intake from 3.4% to 4.7% of calories.

The "recovered" data, included previously unpublished records of serum cholesterol and autopsy reports and an extensive collection of study documents.

Using the "recovered" data the study found:
(i) The intervention group had significant reduction in cholesterol levels of 13.8%.
(ii) The control group had a small reduction in cholesterol levels of 1%.
(iii) A 30 mg/dL (0.78 mmol/L) decrease in cholesterol levels was associated with 22% higher risk of death from any cause.
(iv) Autopsy reports showed that participants in the intervention diet group had a 90% increased risk of a heart attack compared to participants in the control diet group. 

The researchers also did a systematic review of the scientific literature and identified five randomized controlled trials that provided vegetable oil(s) rich in linoleic acid in place of saturated fat. These five trials included 10,808 participants. The average change in cholesterol levels in the course of the randomized controlled trials ranged from 7.8% to 13.8% lower in the intervention versus control groups.

The review of the five trials found:
(v) Those in the (low cholesterol) intervention groups had a 13% increased risk of death from coronary heart disease compared to those in the higher cholesterol control groups.
(vi) Those in the (low cholesterol) intervention groups had a 7% increased risk of death from all causes compared to those in the higher cholesterol control groups. 

The above investigators also "recovered" unpublished data from the Sydney Diet Heart Study (1966-73) where the results of the trial was not fully reported. Ramsden commented: "Our recovery and 2013 publication of previously unpublished data from the Sydney Diet Heart Study (SDHS, 1966-73) belatedly showed that replacement of saturated fat with vegetable oil rich in linoleic acid significantly increased the risks of death from coronary heart disease and all causes, despite lowering serum cholesterol."

Critical points arise from this study:
(1) Key findings from landmark randomized controlled trials including the Sydney Diet Heart Study and the Minnesota Coronary Experiment were not fully published.
(2) Participants who had greater reductions in cholesterol levels had a higher, rather than lower, risk of death.

The question must be asked: "Why did the original investigators suppress this information?"

Is it because the results of the studies were clearly at odds with their beliefs?

Ramsden concluded: "It is interesting to speculate whether complete publication of randomized controlled trial results might have altered key policy decisions promoting replacement of saturated fat with linoleic acid rich oils (such as the 1977 McGovern report and National Cholesterol Education Program (1984-85) or contributed to a shift in research priorities."
  

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.

Doctor says there is no evidence that statins are safe

This paper was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal May 6: 2008

Study title and author:
Statins - Safe?
Dr Herbert H. Nehrlich

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.cmaj.ca/content/178/5/576.abstract/reply#content-block

Dr Nehrlich, a doctor from Australia, discusses the effects of statin drugs.

(i) Statins reduce the body's production of mevalonate through the suppression of a liver enzyme called hydroxymethylglutaryl (HMG) coenzyme A reductase.
(ii) This enzyme is crucial in enabling the body to synthesize such substances as cholesterol, Co-enzyme Q-10 etc., substances that are essential for every living cell.
(iii) So, if you reduce the supply of mevalonate, the liver can no longer keep up production of sufficient cholesterol and has to slow the shipping of cholesterol from the depot (liver) to the various areas in need of it via the bloodstream. Hence, blood cholesterol will be lower in lab tests.
(iv) Mevalonate is not just important in this respect but is heavily involved in muscle metabolism as well as in the production of thromboxane. Thromboxane, of course, is the agent responsible for the important stage in healing called clotting and originates in the platelets of our blood.
(v) Mitochondria are energy factories that MUST have coenzyme Q- 10, the very substance that is in short supply when people undergo statin treatment.
(vi) The dismal success record of statin treatment, combined with their sometimes atrocious side effects (identified and hidden) makes the prescription of statins in humans an assault with unknown and likely dire consequences.
(vii) People tend to die with low cholesterol blood levels.
(viii) May I ask for the studies that have shown that lowering cholesterol is reasonable and thus good practice? Statins are safe? Let us look at the PROSPER Trial and the all cause mortality. It is not improved by statins.
(ix) I prefer to see cholesterol as an extremely vital substance, essential for good health and indispensable when it comes to repair and maintenance of the body.
(x) Statins are now Big Pharma's golden goose and the price of gold is rising.
(xi) If we think of rhabdomyolysis, of transient global amnesia and of the propensity of statins to initiate cancer in many animals, if we consider the truly dismal success of statin treatment then we can skip looking at the plausibility of using these drugs altogether.
(xii) Statins are mayhem to Coenzyme Q-10 and it follows that statins may thus weaken the heart. They may cause cancer in humans.

Dr Nehrlich concludes: "There is no evidence that statins are safe".

Low cholesterol levels associated with an earlier death in the elderly

This study was published in the International Journal of Cardiology 2013 Apr 8

Study title and authors:
Prognosis in the hospitalized very elderly: The PROTEGER study.

Zhang Y, Protogerou AD, Iaria P, Safar ME, Xu Y, Blacher J.
Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23578896

The study investigated the association of various cardiac related factors with death rates in the elderly. The study included 331 hospitalised elderly patients, (average age 87years) who were followed for 378 days.

Regarding cholesterol levels, the study found:
(a) Patients who died had 12% lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol than patients who survived.
(b) Patients who died had 7% lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol than patients who survived.

In this study, elderly patients who died had lower cholesterol levels than patients who survived.

Review finds that low cholesterol levels are linked to higher rates of early death, suicide, aggressive and violent behaviour, personality disorders, depression and dementia

This paper was published in Revista de Neurologia 2009 Mar 1-15;48(5):261-4

 

Study title and authors:

Relation between cholesterol levels and neuropsychiatric disorders

Martínez-Carpio PA, Barba J, Bedoya-Del Campillo A.

Centro Penitenciario de Jóvenes de Barcelona, Generalitat de Catalunya, Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, España. pmc@investilaser.com

 

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19263395

The researchers conducted a systematic study of the literature that addressed the relationship between low cholesterol levels and neuropsychiatric disorders.

They found that low cholesterol levels are associated and related to different neuropsychiatric disorders. Lowered cholesterol levels seem likely to be linked to higher rates of early death, suicide, aggressive and violent behaviour, personality disorders, and possibly depression, dementia and penal confinement among young males.

High LDL cholesterol levels reduce the risk of death

This study was published in the Journal of Internal Medicine 2010 Jun;267(6):576-87

 

Study title and authors:

Gender difference of association between LDL cholesterol concentrations and mortality from coronary heart disease amongst Japanese: the Ibaraki Prefectural Health Study.

Noda H, Iso H, Irie F, Sairenchi T, Ohtaka E, Ohta H.

Public Health, Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Shuita-shi, Osaka, Japan.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20141564

One of the aims of the study was to investigate the relationship between low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and total death rates. The study included 30,802 men and 60,417 women, aged 40 to 79 years with no history of stroke or coronary heart disease who were followed for ten years.

The study found:
(a) Men with the highest LDL cholesterol levels (over 140 mg/dL or 3.6 mmol/L) had a 29% reduced risk of death compared to men with the lowest LDL cholesterol levels (under 80 mg/dL or 2.0 mmol/L).
(b) Women with the highest LDL cholesterol levels (over 140 mg/dL or 3.6 mmol/L) had a 36% reduced risk of death compared to women with the lowest LDL cholesterol levels (under 80 mg/dL or 2.0 mmol/L).

This ten year study of 91,219 people reveals that men and women with the highest LDL cholesterol levels have around a 30% reduced risk of death compared to men and women with the lowest LDL cholesterol levels.

Low cholesterol leads to an early death

This study was published in the ScientificWorld Journal 2012;2012:930139

 

Study title and authors:

Lipids and all-cause mortality among older adults: a 12-year follow-up study.

Cabrera MA, de Andrade SM, Dip RM.

Postgraduate Program in Public Health, State University of Londrina-UEL, Robert Koch Avenue, 60 CEP, 86038440 Londrina, PR, Brazil. marcoscabrera@uol.com.br

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22666169

This study investigated the association between cholesterol levels and death rates in elderly people. The study lasted for 12 years and included 800 people aged 60-85 years.

The study found:
(a) Those with cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dL (5.1 mmol/L) had a 24% decreased risk of death compared to those with cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dL (5.1 mmol/L).
(b) Those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels above 130 mg/dL (3.3 mmol/L) had a 27% decreased risk of death compared to those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 130 mg/dL (3.3 mmol/L).
(c) Those with cholesterol levels below 170 mg/dL (4.4 mmol/L) had a 60% increased risk of death compared to those with cholesterol levels above 170 mg/dL (4.4 mmol/L).
(d) Those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels below 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) had a 20% increased risk of death compared to those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels above 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L).

The data from the study shows that low cholesterol leads to an early death.

High cholesterol levels associated with exceptional longevity in men

This study was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine 2008 Feb 11;168(3):284-90

Study title and authors:
Exceptional longevity in men: modifiable factors associated with survival and function to age 90 years.

Yates LB, Djoussé L, Kurth T, Buring JE, Gaziano JM.
Division of Aging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 1620 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02120, USA. lbyates@partners.org

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18268169

 

The study examined factors associated with a life span of 90 or more in men. The study lasted 25 years and included 2,357 men.

 

Regarding cholesterol levels, the study found that men with cholesterol above 240 mg/dL (6.2 mmol/L) had an 8% increased likelihood of achieving a 90 year life span compared to men with cholesterol levels below 240 mg/dL (6.2 mmol/L).

Cholesterol lowering treatment increases the risk of death

This study was published in Circulation 1990 Dec;82(6):1916-24

 

Study title and authors:

An analysis of randomized trials evaluating the effect of cholesterol reduction on total mortality and coronary heart disease incidence.

Holme I.

Life Insurance Companies' Institute for Medical Statistics, Ullevaal Hospital, Oslo, Norway.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2242517

The study investigated the relationship between cholesterol reduction and death rates by analysing the results of 19 randomized clinical cholesterol reduction intervention trials (by drugs and diet). The 19 trials included 103,598 subjects and lasted between two and ten years.

The study found that those who had the cholesterol lowering treatment had a 3.7% increased risk of death compared to those who had no cholesterol lowering treatment.

Low levels of low density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are associated with higher death rates in patients with acute heart failure

This study was published in Congestive Heart Failure 2012 Oct 16

 

Study title and authors:

Low-Density Lipoprotein Levels in Patients With Acute Heart Failure.

Kahn MR, Kosmas CE, Wagman G, Serrao GW, Fallahi A, Grady KM, Vittorio TJ.

Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23066917

This study investigated the association of cholesterol levels with death rates in patients hospitalised with heart failure. The study included 2,428 patients who were followed for 2.9 years.

The study found that those with low levels of low density liporotein (LDL) cholesterol, less than 71 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L), had a 68% increased death rate compared to those with high levels of low density liporotein (LDL) cholesterol, more than 130 mg/dL (3.3 mmol/L).

High cholesterol levels predict higher survival rates in patients with acute coronary syndromes

This study was published in Clinical Cardiology 2009 Sep;32(9):E22-8

 

Study title and authors:

Hypercholesterolemia paradox in relation to mortality in acute coronary syndrome.

Wang TY, Newby LK, Chen AY, Mulgund J, Roe MT, Sonel AF, Bhatt DL, DeLong ER, Ohman EM, Gibler WB, Peterson ED.

Division of Cardiology, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27705, USA. wang0085@mc.duke.edu

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19645040

This study (Can Rapid Risk Stratification of Unstable Angina Patients Suppress Adverse Outcomes with Early Implementation of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines registry - CRUSADE) investigated the association of cholesterol levels with in-hospital death rates in patients with acute coronary syndromes. (Acute coronary syndromes is an umbrella term for situations where the blood supplied to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked). The study included 84,429 patients with acute coronary syndromes and examined data regarding patients with (i) a history of existing high cholesterol and (ii) newly in-hospital diagnosed high cholesterol.

Patients were defined as the following:
(i) A history of existing high cholesterol was defined as more than 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L) or treatment with cholesterol lowering drugs.
(ii) Newly in-hospital diagnosed high cholesterol was defined as low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels more than 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L).

The study found:
(a) Patients with a history of existing high cholesterol had a 29% reduced death death rate compared to patients with a history of existing low cholesterol.
(b) Patients with no history of existing high cholesterol, but with newly in-hospital diagnosed high LDL cholesterol had a 14% reduced death death rate compared to patients with normal LDL cholesterol.

The data from the study reveals that high cholesterol levels predict higher survival rates in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

Links to other studies:
Higher cholesterol levels predict survival in heart transplant patients
The cholesterol/heart disease hypothesis is false
Doctor says: The Diet/Heart Hypothesis is the greatest deception of our times

Low cholesterol levels are associated with an inreased risk of death in critically ill surgical patients.

This study was published in Critical Care Medicine 2001 Aug;29(8):1563-8

Study title and authors:
Relationship of hypolipidemia to cytokine concentrations and outcomes in critically ill surgical patients.

Gordon BR, Parker TS, Levine DM, Saal SD, Wang JC, Sloan BJ, Barie PS, Rubin AL.
Rogosin Institute, 505 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA. gordobr@mail.rockefeller.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11505128

 

The objective of the study was to determine the relationship of cholesterol levels with clinical outcomes in critically ill surgical patients. (Clinical outcomes included death, infection subsequent to intensive care unit admission, length of intensive care unit stay, and magnitude of organ dysfunction). The study included 111 patients with a variety of critical illnesses, for whom cholesterol levels were determined within 24 hours of admission to a surgical intensive care unit.

 

Average cholesterol levels of the patients were extremely low:

(i) Total cholesterol, 127 mg/dL (3.2 mmol/L)

(ii) Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, 75 mg/dL (1.9 mmol/L)

(iii) High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, 29 mg/dL (.75 mmol/L)

 

Clinical outcomes were related to whether the admission cholesterol levels were above (56 patients) or below (55 patients) 120 mg/dL (3.1 mmol/L).

 

The study found:

(a) Each of the clinical outcomes occurred between 1.9- and 3.5-fold more frequently in the very low cholesterol (less than 120 mg/dL or 3.1 mmol/L) group.

(b) Nine patients died during the hospitalization. Seven of the nine patients who died were in the very low cholesterol (less than 120 mg/dL or 3.1 mmol/L) group.

 

The results of the study show that low cholesterol levels are associated with an inreased risk of death in critically ill surgical patients.

Low LDL cholesterol levels are associated with an earlier death

This study was published in the World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics 2009;100:63-70

 

Study title and authors:

Blood cholesterol as a good marker of health in Japan.

Ogushi Y, Hamazaki T, Kirihara Y.

Department of Medical Informatics, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan.

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19696528

This paper examined the relationship between low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and death rates. The study lasted for eight years and included 26,000 men and women.

The study found:
(a) The death rate of men whose LDL cholesterol levels were below 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/l) were higher than in men whose LDL cholesterol levels were between 100 mg/dL and 160 mg/dL (2.6-4.1 mmol/l).
(b) The death rate of women whose LDL cholesterol levels were below 120 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/l) were higher than in women whose LDL cholesterol levels were above 120 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/l).

The results from this study show that lower LDL cholesterol levels are associated with an earlier death.

Older men with lower cholesterol die earlier

This study was published in the European Heart Journal 2001 Apr;22(7):573-9

 

Study title and authors:

Cardiovascular risk factors and 10-year all-cause mortality in elderly European male populations; the FINE study. Finland, Italy, Netherlands, Elderly.

Menotti A, Mulder I, Nissinen A, Feskens E, Giampaoli S, Tervahauta M, Kromhout D.

Division of Public Health Research, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11259144

The aim of the study was to examine risk factors in relation to death rates in elderly populations of different European countries. The study included 2,285 men, aged 65 to 84, from Finland, the Netherlands and Italy who were followed for ten years.

Regarding cholesterol levels, the study found:
(a) Men from Finland with the lowest cholesterol had a 19% increased risk of death compared to the men from Finland with the highest cholesterol.
(b) Men from Finland with the lowest levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol had a 14% increased risk of death compared to the men from Finland with the highest levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
(c) Men from the Netherlands with the lowest cholesterol had a 5% increased risk of death compared to the men from the Netherlands with the highest cholesterol.
(d) Men from the Netherlands with the lowest levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol had a 5% increased risk of death compared to the men from the Netherlands with the highest levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
(e) Men from Italy with the lowest cholesterol had a 5% increased risk of death compared to the men from Italy with the highest cholesterol.
(f) Men from Italy with the lowest levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol had a 12% increased risk of death compared to the men from Italy with the highest levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

The data from the study shows that lower levels of cholesterol and lower levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with an earlier death in older men.