The raison d'etre of this website is to provide you with hard scientific information which may help you make informed decisions in your quest for health (so far I have blogged concise summaries of over 1,500 scientific studies and have had three books published).

My research is mainly focused on the effects of cholesterol, saturated fat and statin drugs on health. If you know anyone who is worried about their cholesterol levels and heart disease, or has been told to take statin drugs you could send them a link to this website, and to my statin or cholesterol or heart disease books.

David Evans

Independent Health Researcher
Showing posts with label LDL and Mortality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LDL and Mortality. Show all posts

Thursday, 22 January 2015

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".

Monday, 18 August 2014

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".

Tuesday, 4 March 2014

Low LDL cholesterol levels are associated with reduced survival in elderly patients with heart failure

This study was published in Cardiology 2014;127(1):45-50

Study title and authors:
Low levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: a negative predictor of survival in elderly patients with advanced heart failure.
Charach G, Rabinovich A, Ori A, Weksler D, Sheps D, Charach L, Weintraub M, George J.
The Department of Internal Medicine 'C', Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24217704

This study aimed to examine the impact of statins and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels on survival rates in elderly patients with moderate and severe heart failure. The study included 212 patients, average age 77 years, who were followed for 3.7 years. The patients were divided into three groups according to LDL cholesterol levels:
(i) Group one had LDL cholesterol levels less than 90 mg/dL (2.32 mmol/l).
(ii) Group two had LDL cholesterol levels between 90-115 mg/dL (2.32-3.00 mmol/l).
(iii) Group three had LDL cholesterol levels above 115 mg/dL (3.00 mmol/l).

The study found:
(a) The total cholesterol levels of group one patients was 31% lower than group three patients.
(b) Group one patients were over twice as likely to be on statins than group three patients.
(c) Only 34% of group one patients survived longer than 50 months whereas 58% of group three patients survived longer than 50 months.

Charach concluded: "Low LDL cholesterol levels are associated with a reduced survival in elderly patients with clinically controlled moderate and severe heart failure. Statins were independently and significantly associated with a higher risk of mortality".

Friday, 15 November 2013

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.

Friday, 3 May 2013

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.

Monday, 25 March 2013

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.

Saturday, 26 January 2013

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.

Tuesday, 4 December 2012

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).

Sunday, 2 December 2012

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

Thursday, 8 November 2012

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.





Sunday, 17 June 2012

High levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with lower death rates and lower rates of cardiovascular disease

This study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 2005 Dec;53(12):2159-64

Study title and authors:
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and mortality in older people.
Tikhonoff V, Casiglia E, Mazza A, Scarpa R, Thijs L, Pessina AC, Staessen JA.
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16398902

The objective of the study was to investigate the role of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol as a predictor of mortality in elderly subjects. The study included 3,120 subjects aged 65 and older who were followed for 12 years.

The study found:
(a) Men who had the highest LDL cholesterol had a 34% decrease in death rates compared to the men with the lowest LDL cholesterol.
(b) Women who had the highest LDL cholesterol had a 48% decrease in death rates compared to the women with the lowest LDL cholesterol.
(c) Men who had the highest LDL cholesterol had an 8% decrease in cardiovascular disease death rates (stroke, heart attack, heart failure) compared to the men with the lowest LDL cholesterol.
(d) Women who had the highest LDL cholesterol had a 23% decrease in cardiovascular disease death rates compared to the women with the lowest LDL cholesterol.

The results of this study show that high levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with lower death rates and lower rates of cardiovascular disease.

Monday, 11 June 2012

Low cholesterol levels are linked to an earlier death

This study was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine 2003 Jul 14;163(13):1549-54

Study title and authors:
High-density vs low-density lipoprotein cholesterol as the risk factor for coronary artery disease and stroke in old age.
Weverling-Rijnsburger AW, Jonkers IJ, van Exel E, Gussekloo J, Westendorp RG.
Section of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of General Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. a.w.e.weverling-rijnsburger@lumc.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12860577

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationships between cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and death rates. The study included 705 participants who had reached the age of 85 who were followed for four years.

The study found:
(a) Those with the lowest cholesterol (163-195 mg/dL or 4.2-5.0 mmol/l) had a 60% increase in death rates compared to those with the highest cholesterol (248-280 or 6.4-7.2 mmol/l).
(b) Those with the lowest LDL cholesterol (94-116 mg/dL or 2.4-3.0 mmol/l) had a 40% increase in death rates compared to those with the highest LDL cholesterol (165-196 or 4.3-5.0 mmol/l).
(c) Those with the lowest HDL cholesterol (32-40 mg/dL or .8-1.0 mmol/l) had a 70% increase in death rates compared to those with the highest HDL cholesterol (60-73 or 1.5-1.9 mmol/l).

The results of this study show that lower levels of cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are linked to an earlier death.

Friday, 30 March 2012

High cholesterol levels, and in particular, high levels of the so called "bad" LDL cholesterol are associated with a longer life span

This study was published in Age and Ageing 2008 Mar;37(2):207-13

Study title and authors:
Relation of plasma lipids to all-cause mortality in Caucasian, African-American and Hispanic elders.
Akerblom JL, Costa R, Luchsinger JA, Manly JJ, Tang MX, Lee JH, Mayeux R, Schupf N.
Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18349015

The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship of cholesterol levels to all-cause death rates in the non-demented elderly. The study included 2,556 non-demented elderly, aged between 65-103 years. Among participants, 66.1% were women, 27.6% were White, 31.2% were African-American and 41.2% were Hispanic.

The study found:
(a) The white's with the lowest cholesterol had a 120% increase in death rates compared to the white's with the highest cholesterol.
(b) The African-Americans with the lowest cholesterol had a 90% increase in death rates compared to the African-Americans with the highest cholesterol.
(c) Cholesterol levels were not related to death rates in Hispanics.
(d) The whites with the lowest levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol had a 80% increase in death rates compared to the whites with the highest levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
(e) The African-Americans with the lowest levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol had a 90% increase in death rates compared to the African-Americans with the highest levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
(f) The Hispanics with the lowest levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol had a 40% increase in death rates compared to the Hispanics with the highest levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

This study shows that higher cholesterol levels, and in particular, higher levels of the so called "bad" LDL cholesterol are associated with a longer life span.

Links to other studies:
A rise in total cholesterol reduces the risk of mortality in the oldest old
Low cholesterol and increased mortality in men and women
Low cholesterol and increased mortality and cancer in 40-69 year olds

Links to useful books;
The Great Cholesterol Con
Cholesterol and Saturated Fat Prevent Heart disease
Ignore the Awkward.: How the Cholesterol Myths Are Kept Alive