CHOLESTEROL LEVELS AND HEALTH
My readers know I am not a fan of statin anti-cholesterol drug therapy. The aggressiveness with which these drugs are being prescribed, and dosed, is actually frightening. Someone at a party I recently attended was bragging about his cholesterol being only 130 on these drugs, and he really believed that such was the desirable level of cholesterol for everyone! It was clear that low number was giving him a false sense of security about his health. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Although I don't get as agitated about elevated cholesterol readings as the average doctor, I do feel that levels above 250 probably reflect underlying health issues that need addressing, but not necessarily by targeting the cholesterol level itself. I rarely even prescribe the various supplements recommended for lowering cholesterol because I believe cholesterol reflects the problem, rather than being the problem. On the other hand, very low cholesterol levels can be quite unhealthy in their own right.

So I wanted to help people gain a perspective on their cholesterol levels by sharing several studies you should know about. A huge study of 350,977 middle aged men followed over an average of 12 years found those with cholesterol levels under 160 doubled their risk of brain hemorrhage, and significantly increased their risk of death from cancers of the liver and pancreas, suicide, and alcohol dependency syndrome. They also had a higher incidence of cancers of the lung, lymphatics, and blood and of chronic lung disease. (Neaton Arch Intern Med, 1992 July:152(7):1490-1500) Another study of 11,563 men showed that over a 5 year study period, men with cholesterol levels under 160 had a 2.27 fold increase in mortality from non-cardiac causes of death, and the SAME rate of death from heart attack as men with higher cholesterol levels. (Behar, Heart Journal, 1997 Jan;18(1):52-59).

Cholesterol is an important molecule involved in cellular integrity (cell membrane structure) and as a precursor to all major sex horrnones. As such, excessively low levels can lead to health problems, and the commonly reported emotional changes of depression and even suicidality. Also well known is the potential liver toxicity and cost of the anticholesterol drugs. My advice is to not go along with the program when it comes to statin drugs, and find better more natural ways to improve your health and reduce your coronary risks. Work with an experienced natural medicine physician.

Other Articles
CHOLESTEROL:Cholesterol Lowering Drugs
CHOLESTEROL:Fats and Oils and Cholesterol
CHOLESTEROL:Five things you should know if you take cholesterol lowering medication!
CHOLESTEROL: The Folly of Statins and Their Link with Hormones
CHOLESTEROL: STRESS AND CHOLESTEROL
Cholesterol: Cholesterol and Niacin
CHOLESTEROL: Statins Vs. Lifestyle Changes
THE CHOLESTEROL CONTROVERSY