Private MD News

LDL cholesterol may serve some important functions

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Individuals who receive high cholesterol test results may not be in as poor health as previously thought. A new study from a team of Texas A&M researchers has found that LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol may actually play an important role in overall health.

The study examined the cholesterol levels of 52 adults between the ages of 60 and 69 who were fairly good health but did not exercise. After putting participants through a vigorous physical training program, the researchers found that participants who put on the most muscle also had the highest cholesterol levels.

The researchers said that this finding illustrates that a certain amount of bad cholesterol is needed by the body to carry out certain processes. It also indicates that having a balance between both types of cholesterol, LDL and HDL, may be more important than simply having low levels low bad cholesterol.

"People often say, 'I want to get rid of all my bad cholesterol,' but the fact is, if you did so, you would die," said Steve Riechman, who led the study. "Everyone needs a certain amount of both LDL and HDL in their bodies."