Is good cholesterol bad? A study conducted by scientists at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has shown that there may be no link between good cholesterol and low heart attack risk.
In the trial that was undertaken, it was found that people carrying a gene responsible for high levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol did not seem to face lower risk for heart disease. A direct causal relation between good cholesterol and low heart attack risk looked remote, though further studies are required to affirm the results.
Shannon Amoils, BHF Research Advisor, commented, “The relationship between ‘good’ cholesterol and heart attack risk is complex and requires further research. We need to understand more about how it interacts with other risk factors “What we do know is that having too much harmful cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of getting cardiovascular disease.”
The scientists aim to understand how good cholesterol operates with other risk factors to cause heart disease. We know that high levels of cholesterol in body are harmful, regardless of whether good or bad. However, it is a well established idea that high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol may lead to heart disease.
Reported in the journal, the Lancet, the study showed that controlling the overall cholesterol levels in the body is crucial. This can be achieved by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, consuming less fatty and sugary foods as well as controlling alcohol intake.