We’ve all seen the commercials and read information on good cholesterol versus bad cholesterol and the importance of keeping everything in balance. It seems like no matter who you are every one in American is now concerned about their cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is one of the biggest factors contributing to heart disease and heart attack.
Currently nearly 150 million Americans suffer from borderline to high cholesterol levels. Although it is important to treat high cholesterol to prevent heart attacks and heart disease people may be trading one health condition for another. A new study has found that lowering LDL levels (bad cholesterol levels) too much and the use of Statins, a cholesterol lowering medication, could be linked to cancer.
Findings about Statins and Low LDL Levels
A recent study published by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology on July 31, 2007 found that there is not only a link to liver damage by using Statins but the medication may also be linked to cancer as well. It was found that there was one additional incident of cancer for every 1,000 patients that used Statins and had achieved low LDL levels. The study also found that there were higher rates of newly diagnosed cancer with patients that used the medication as well.
Although this information about cancer is new, past studies have also shown there to be a correlation between low LDL levels and an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. These studies have also concluded that Statins cause liver and muscle damage as well. This is because Statins lower cholesterol by working through the liver and blocking the enzymes that create cholesterol.
Causes of High Cholesterol
High Cholesterol can be caused by many factors- some that are controllable and some that are not. Some uncontrollable factors include: genetics and family history, age, and sex. If other people in your family suffer from high cholesterol is it very likely that you are at risk as well. For the most part, those that are younger in age have a lesser risk of contracting high cholesterol than those that are older. Also, Women are more likely to have lower cholesterol levels than men before they hit menopause. Some controllable factors include: weight, diet and exercise, stress, smoking, and alcohol.
Proper Prevention of High Cholesterol
Good health begins with healthy eating habits and a healthy lifestyle. In order to help prevent high cholesterol naturally you should make sure you are eating a healthy diet, are participating in an exercise program, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and knowing how to deal with stress in a healthy manor. Many people are very concerned with the current and previous findings on low LDL levels and Statins and are seeking out other options.
