We often hear about the importance of preventing and treating high cholesterol. But can your cholesterol ever be too low? The answer to that question depends on who you are and the type of cholesterol you are talking about. Read on.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is produced in the liver and also brought into the body by eating foods that contain cholesterol. Cholesterol is very important for a variety functions in the body. For instance, it helps in the formation of vitamin D. Too much total cholesterol, however, can lead to a build-up of this substance in the artery walls and increase a person’s risk for heart disease, stroke, and other diseases of the blood vessels.
LDL and HDL Cholesterol
We know that high total cholesterol is a risk factor for disease, but let’s look at the two main types of cholesterol – LDL cholesterol (or what is sometimes referred to as “bad cholesterol”) and HDL cholesterol (or “good cholesterol”).
• High LDL Cholesterol. If your LDL cholesterol is too high, your doctor might recommend lifestyle behavior changes such as losing weight, changing your diet, increasing physical activity, and perhaps taking medication to lower your LDL cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), an LDL cholesterol level of 130 to 159 mg/dL is borderline high. LDL cholesterol above 160 mg/dL is considered high for an otherwise healthy person.
A level of less than 100 mg/dL is considered optimal, and a level of 70 mg/dL is often the goal for people at risk for heart disease or for those who have it. But as the AHA points out, a level that is acceptable for you may not be acceptable for someone else. It’s important to discuss your cholesterol levels with a doctor who knows you and has examined you.
• Low LDL Cholesterol. A person’s LDL or total cholesterol level may be naturally low, or low because of treatment with cholesterol-lowering medications, or low because of disease. If you are not on cholesterol-lowering medication and have a very low total or LDL cholesterol level, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition – such as liver disease – and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Some research studies have linked low LDL or low total cholesterol to an increased risk of certain diseases such as cancer, depression, and anxiety. The American College of Cardiology notes, however, that while there may be an association between low cholesterol levels and poor outcomes in patients with cancer, for instance, it is possible that the disease itself may cause the low cholesterol level rather than the low level causing the disease or bad outcome. While much is known about what is considered to be a high level of cholesterol, further research is needed to determine what might be considered “too low” for LDL or total cholesterol level and if this increases the risk for certain medical conditions.
• Low HDL Cholesterol. While you want your LDL cholesterol level to be on the low side, you definitely want your HDL cholesterol level to be on the higher side in order to prevent disease. A low HDL cholesterol level is a risk factor for cardiovascular and other disease. The American Heart Association states that an HDL cholesterol level less than 40 mg/dL in men and less than 50 mg/dL in women increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. The AHA states that “An HDL cholesterol of 60 mg/dL or higher gives some protection against heart disease.” If your HDL cholesterol is too low, your doctor might recommend lifestyle behavior changes in diet and exercise, and recommend that you quit smoking if you smoke. Certain medications can help increase HDL cholesterol levels.
Talk with Your Doctor
There is so much to learn about the role of cholesterol in health and disease. First and foremost, it is important to talk with a doctor about your cholesterol levels and find out if you are at risk for cardiovascular disease. It is important to talk with a doctor about the cholesterol levels that are appropriate for you based on your age, family history, and medical history. If your cholesterol levels are too high or too low, he or she can recommend strategies for improving your levels and your health. |
