http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/cholesterol/ Read the latest research on cholesterol levels, tests, and medications. Find out about cholesterol in your diet and research into new treatments for high cholesterol. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/cholesterol/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521115512.htm Statins drugs prescribed to treat high cholesterol may also work to slow prostate growth in men who have elevated PSA levels, according to a new analysis. Mon, 21 May 2012 11:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521115512.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516195554.htm Medical researchers explored naturally occurring genetic variations in humans to test the connection between HDL levels and heart attack. By studying the genes of roughly 170,000 individuals, the team discovered that, when examined together, the 15 HDL-raising variants they tested do not reduce the risk of heart attack. Wed, 16 May 2012 19:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516195554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516120156.htm Plant breeders have developed a new oat variety that's significantly higher in the compound that makes this grain so cardio-friendly. Wed, 16 May 2012 12:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516120156.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507165559.htm A new study has found that a subclass of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the so-called "good" cholesterol, may not protect against coronary heart disease and in fact may be harmful. Mon, 07 May 2012 16:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507165559.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502184831.htm A new study suggests that eating foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, chicken, salad dressing and nuts, may be associated with lower blood levels of a protein related to Alzheimer's disease and memory problems. Wed, 02 May 2012 18:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502184831.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501183017.htm In addition to the many risk factors associated with poor health, reducing body mass index (BMI) will have a considerable and independent impact if you want to reduce the risk of developing ischemic heart disease. This is the key finding from new research which evaluated the causal relationship between BMI and heart disease in 76,000 individuals. Tue, 01 May 2012 18:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501183017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424205143.htm Dark chocolate may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving glucose levels and lipid profiles. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424205143.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419163553.htm A team of four scientists is arguing that cholesterol may slow or stop cancer cell growth. They describe how cholesterol-binding proteins called ORPs may control cell growth. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419163553.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418162252.htm A protein involved in cellular inflammation may increase the risk of plaque containing blood vessels associated with inflammatory gum disease, according to new research. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418162252.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417125625.htm Older patients taking a common cholesterol medication should be cautious of the impact on their kidney health. In a new study by Dr. Amit Garg, Scientist at the Lawson Health Research Institute and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, and colleagues, one in 10 new older fibrate users experienced a 50 percent increase in their serum creatinine. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417125625.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120410101908.htm Alzheimer's disease (AD) is now the sixth leading cause of death among Americans, affecting nearly 1 in 8 people over the age of 65. There is currently no treatment that alters the course of this disease. However, an increasing amount of evidence suggests that changes in the way the body handles iron and other metals like copper and zinc may start years before the onset of AD symptoms. A new study shows that reducing iron levels in blood plasma may protect the brain from changes related to AD. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120410101908.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120409103950.htm Researchers question the wisdom of blocking a receptor in patients prone to cardiovascular disease, especially those taking niacin. Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120409103950.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403153535.htm A new study suggests SR-BI plays a role in breast cancer tumor growth. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403153535.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329142018.htm Scientists have synthesized a pair of small molecules that dramatically alter the core biological clock in animal models, highlighting the compounds' potential effectiveness in treating a remarkable range of disorders -- including obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and serious sleep disorders. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329142018.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120328090852.htm Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who discontinue use of statin therapy are at increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and other causes. Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120328090852.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327215605.htm The food that inspires wariness is on course for inspiring even more wonder from a medical standpoint as scientists have reported the latest evidence that chili peppers are a heart-healthy food with potential to protect against the No. 1 cause of death in the developed world. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 21:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327215605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326133606.htm Coronary atherosclerosis – a hardening of the arteries due to a build-up of fat and cholesterol – can lead to heart attacks and other forms of coronary heart disease (CHD). Lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, reduces the risk of CHD, and researchers found that lowering LDL beginning early in life resulted in a three-fold greater reduction in the risk of CHD than treatment with a statin started later in life. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326133606.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326113713.htm Low LDL cholesterol in patients with no history of taking cholesterol-lowering drugs predates cancer risk by decades, suggesting there may be some underlying mechanism affecting both cancer and low LDL cholesterol that requires further examination, according to new research. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326113713.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120302132426.htm Maintaining a healthy lifestyle from young adulthood into your 40s is strongly associated with low cardiovascular disease risk in middle age, according to a new study. Fri, 02 Mar 2012 13:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120302132426.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120301113353.htm A nutrient found in the dark meat of poultry may provide protection against coronary heart disease in women with high cholesterol, according to a new study. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120301113353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120221165941.htm Researchers have found new evidence to explain how cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mediates the transfer of cholesterol from "good" high density lipoproteins (HDLs) to "bad" low density lipoproteins (LDLs). These findings point the way to the design of safer, more effective next generation CETP inhibitors that could help prevent the development of heart disease. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120221165941.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120219143222.htm Defects in a protein that functions as a dietary fat sensor may be a cause of obesity and liver disease, according to a new study. The findings highlight a promising target for new drugs to treat obesity and metabolic disorders. Sun, 19 Feb 2012 14:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120219143222.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214121850.htm Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism underlying the most common malformation of the brain in humans. In holoprosencephaly, the forebrain is only incompletely formed. Here a binding site (receptor) for cholesterol plays a key role. If this receptor is defective, specific signals cannot be received, and the forebrain cannot separate into two hemispheres, as the researchers have now shown in mice. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214121850.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210110036.htm Researchers have identified four plant extracts that might help in preventing and fighting obesity. The researchers identified the most effective plant extracts through in vitro assays; subsequently, extracts were tested on rats. While the results obtained are promising, further studies on animals are required to evaluate and confirm the anti-obesity effects of these extracts. Once their anti-obesity effects are confirmed on animals, the extracts will be tested on humans. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210110036.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132717.htm In a large analysis of men participating in a prostate drug trial, researchers found a significant correlation between coronary artery disease and prostate cancer, suggesting the two conditions may have shared causes. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207121928.htm People who have been unlucky in love are said to suffer from a "broken heart." A broken heart is an actual medical condition. Broken heart syndrome occurs during highly stressful or emotional times, such as a painful breakup, the death of a spouse or the loss of a job. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207121928.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206102950.htm Coronary patients with low levels of an immune system antibody called anti-PC, which neutralizes parts of the "bad" cholesterol, run a greater risk of suffering complications following an acute cardiac episode and thus of premature death. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206102950.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202164536.htm The traditional risk factors for stroke – such as high cholesterol – are not as accurate at predicting risk in postmenopausal women as previously thought. Instead, researchers say doctors should refocus their attention on triglyceride levels to determine which women are at highest risk of suffering a devastating and potentially fatal cardiovascular event. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202164536.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130184532.htm Mothers-to-be who are both overweight and smoke during their pregnancy risk damaging their baby's developing heart, according to new research. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130184532.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125172310.htm Your risk of having a heart attack or stroke may be worse than you think. Currently, risk is assessed by projecting 10 years ahead. New research shows a young or middle-aged adult at low risk in the short term may be at high risk in the long term, if they have only one risk factor. This is the first study to examine the lifetime risk of heart disease in white and black men and women. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125172310.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125163406.htm Women who consumed a diet high in animal fat and cholesterol before pregnancy were at higher risk for gestational diabetes than women whose diets were lower in animal fat and cholesterol, according to researchers. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125163406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124184159.htm Eating food fried in olive or sunflower oil is not linked to heart disease or premature death, a new study finds. The authors stress, however, that their study took place in Spain, a Mediterranean country where olive or sunflower oil is used for frying and their results would probably not be the same in another country where solid and re-used oils were used for frying. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124184159.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124134429.htm A molecule embedded in the membrane of human liver cells that aids in cholesterol absorption also allows the entry of hepatitis C virus, the first step in hepatitis C infection, according to new research. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:44:44 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124134429.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124112925.htm Scientists looked at blood levels of lipids and fatty acids in two groups of South Korean children – one group of typically developing boys and another group of boys with an autism diagnosis. Even though there were no major differences in what these children ate, those with autism had a lower omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio and lower levels of high density lipoprotein, more commonly known as HDL. For both levels, it’s often believed, the higher the better. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124112925.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113210207.htm Generally speaking, a distinction has been made so far between “good” HDL cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol. LDL contributes to cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke, while the “good” HDL protects against them. Now, however, experts have discovered that the anti-inflammatory effect of HDL was not detected in patients on renal dialysis. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113210207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111103854.htm We should all be eating more dietary fiber to improve our health -- that's the message from a health review by scientists in India. Researchers suggest fruit, vegetables, whole-grain foods, such as muesli and porridge, beans and pulses, as readily available foods rich in dietary fiber. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111103854.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109102922.htm Researchers have identified a new culprit that leads to atherosclerosis, the accumulation of fat and cholesterol that hardens into plaque and narrows arteries. The research explains why cholesterol-laden, coronary artery disease-causing cells called macrophages, accumulate in artery plaques. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109102922.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104153743.htm A new study has identified a molecular pathway that leads to abnormal cardiovascular blood clotting and turned it off using a popular class of cholesterol-lowering drugs, statins. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104153743.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216112907.htm Statins, traditionally known as cholesterol-lowering drugs, may reduce mortality among patients hospitalized with influenza, according to a new study. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216112907.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190027.htm Researchers have discovered how cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins promote the breakdown of plaque in the arteries. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190027.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207105319.htm Three different disease-causing viruses -- poliovirus, coxsackievirus, and hepatitis C -- rely on their unwilling host for the membrane platforms enriched in a specific lipid, phosphatidylinositol 4 phosphate (PI4P) on which they can replicate, researchers report. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207105319.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206131452.htm People who carry a malfunctioning copy of a particular gene are especially good at clearing fat from their systems. The report shows how the mutant gene influences metabolism in this way. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206131452.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165118.htm Women who seldom or never eat fish may be increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease by 50 percent or more, according to the first population-based study among younger women. Those who ate fish most often, especially fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids, had 90 percent lower risk than those who ate little or no fish. The link with cardiovascular disease was evident, even among women in their 30s. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165118.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116132920.htm In 2020, the vast majority of adults in America will be overweight or obese and more than half will suffer from diabetes or pre-diabetic conditions, according to new projections. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116132920.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115133034.htm In patients whose bad cholesterol is very well-controlled by statins for a long time period, the addition of high-dose, extended release niacin did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, according to new research. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115133034.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115094610.htm Among patients with sub-optimal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, use of the drug evacetrapib alone or in combination with statin medications was associated with significant increases in HDL-C levels and decreases in LDL-C levels, according to a new study. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115094610.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114093625.htm Patients unable to control their cholesterol levels with medications may someday be able to lower their "bad" cholesterol with a shot, according to new research. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114093625.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113141252.htm Drinking two or more sugar-sweetened beverages a day may expand a woman's waistline and increase her risk of heart disease and diabetes, according to new research. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113141252.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110130001.htm A diet high in fiber – but not necessarily one low in saturated fat or cholesterol – is tied to a lower risk of heart disease and type-2 diabetes in teenagers, according to new findings. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110130001.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028115350.htm A new therapy being studied in non-human primates is demonstrating promise as a potential tool for combating cardiovascular disease by increasing good cholesterol and lowering triglycerides in the blood. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028115350.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027125153.htm In a recent study, watermelon was shown to reduce atherosclerosis in animals. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027125153.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027083045.htm A recent study has found that a childhood behavioral intervention to lower dietary intake of total fat and saturated fat and increase consumption of foods that are good sources of dietary fiber resulted in significantly lower fasting plasma glucose levels and lower systolic blood pressure when study participants were re-evaluated in young adulthood. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027083045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025135931.htm A low-fat diet with fish oil supplements eaten for four to six weeks prior to prostate removal slowed down the growth of prostate cancer cells -- the number of rapidly dividing cells -- in human prostate cancer tissue compared to a traditional, high-fat Western diet, according to a new study. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025135931.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020122443.htm Researchers have shown for the first time the inhibition of both microRNA-33a and microRNA-33b with chemically modified anti-miR oligonucleotides markedly suppress triglyceride levels and cause a sustained increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol "good" cholesterol. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020122443.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014132426.htm MRI scanning could become a powerful new tool for assessing how well cholesterol drugs are working, according to a cardiologist studying patients taking cholesterol medications. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014132426.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013184815.htm Statins can be effective at lowering cholesterol, but they have a perplexing tendency to work for some people and not others. Gut bacteria may be the reason. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013184815.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007103225.htm Increasing levels of high-density lipoproteins, better known as HDL or "good" cholesterol, reduced the risk for heart attack and stroke among patients with diabetes. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007103225.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003080517.htm Playing street football (soccer) two or three times a week could halve the risk of early death in homeless men. Researchers have shown the positive impact of street football on the fitness of homeless people, a group with typically poor health and low life expectancy. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003080517.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928105909.htm Researchers have modified HIV in a way that makes it no longer able to suppress the immune system. Their work could remove a major hurdle in HIV vaccine development and lead to new treatments. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928105909.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927124701.htm Researchers have found that a cholesterol-lowering statin drug appears to be safe in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and may improve learning disabilities, including verbal and nonverbal memory. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927124701.htm