A recent study published in the journal Nutrients on nonagenarians from Sardinia’s Blue Zone challenged conventional wisdom. It revealed that individuals with moderate hypercholesterolemia (LDL-C ≥130 mg/dL) may have longer lifespans. However, this effect was not observed in individuals with very high cholesterol levels, particularly women. By examining the cholesterol profiles of a long-lived population, the team of Italian researchers aimed to determine whether high cholesterol levels are a risk or a hidden advantage.
Hypercholesterolemia
For decades, high cholesterol has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Medical guidelines have long emphasized the importance of lowering cholesterol levels to prevent heart attacks and strokes. However, recent studies suggest a more complex relationship between cholesterol and longevity, particularly in older populations.
