Tall cholesterol It is known to be a serious health condition, but what about cholesterol that is too low? “A high level of cholesterol in the blood increases the risk of coronary artery disease. Generally, a lower level of cholesterol is better, but in rare cases, having a very low level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad” cholesterol) or very low total cholesterol has been associated with some health problems,” says Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, MD. Here are five signs that your cholesterol might be too low. Read on and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure signs you’ve already had COVID.
Low cholesterol could lead to depression, doctors say. “For the last quarter century, we have been told that cholesterol is dangerous to our health and we have been advised to avoid it in order to live a healthier life.” says James M. Greenblatt, MD. “However, cholesterol is essential for maintaining good mental health. The brain is the most cholesterol-rich organ in the body, and depriving the brain of essential fatty acids and cholesterol can lead to detrimental health problems. Lower levels of blood cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of developing major depressive disorder, as well as an increased risk of death by suicide.
Anxiety could be another symptom that cholesterol levels are too low. “There is now a compelling body of evidence in both men and women that low cholesterol is a potential predictor of depression and anxiety in certain people.” says Duke psychologist Edward Suarez, PhD. “While we certainly don’t recommend that women indulge in high-fat foods, our data suggest that women with naturally low cholesterol may benefit from raising their cholesterol through healthy dietary measures, such as consuming more fish or fish oil.”
There is evidence that low cholesterol levels could cause premature birth, according to a 2015 study. “Based on our initial findings, it appears that too little cholesterol may be as bad as too much cholesterol during pregnancy, but it’s too early to extrapolate these results to the general population. says Max Muenke, MD. “Further research is needed to replicate this finding and extend it to other groups. For now, the best advice for pregnant women is to follow their health care providers’ guidance regarding diet and exercise.”
Cholesterol that is too low could be linked to an increased risk of stroke. “Strategies to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, such as modifying diet or taking statins, are widely used to prevent cardiovascular disease.” says Pamela Rist, ScD, of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. “But our large study shows that in women, very low levels may also carry some risks. Women already have a higher risk of stroke than men, in part because they live longer, so it’s important to clearly define ways to reduce your risk.
Low cholesterol and cancer are related, but not necessarily causally. “Our study asserts that lower total cholesterol may be caused by undiagnosed cancer,” says Dr. Demetrius Albanes, a principal investigator at the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health. “In terms of a public health message, we found that higher levels of ‘good’ cholesterol appear to be protective against all types of cancer.”
Ferozan Mast
Ferozan Mast is a science, health, and wellness writer who is passionate about making information backed by science and research accessible to a general audience. Read more about Ferozán
