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New research shows moderately high cholesterol levels are linked to extreme longevity.
This upends what scientists previously thought about cholesterol.
For decades, "bad" cholesterol (LDL) has been cast as the primary villain of heart health, with standard advice being "the lower, the better." However, groundbreaking research in long-lived communities like Sardinia is turning this narrative on its head with what scientists call a "cholesterol paradox."
Data from these populations show that older individuals with moderately higher LDL levels—around 130 mg/dL or more—frequently live longer than those with lower readings. Rather than being purely harmful, LDL appears to serve as a crucial biological reserve in the elderly, supporting vital immune functions, hormone production, and cell repair as the body ages.
This discovery marks a significant shift toward personalized medicine, moving away from one-size-fits-all health targets. While managing cholesterol remains essential for younger adults, aggressive lowering treatments in the elderly may need a re-evaluation, as these fats provide stability and energy for aging systems. Doctors are now emphasizing a more holistic view, considering genetics and inflammation markers rather than just a single number on a lab report. Ultimately, for those in their golden years, maintaining moderate cholesterol levels might not be a risk factor, but a biological key to reaching the age of ninety and beyond.
source: Pes, G. M., et al. (2021). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and mortality in the oldest old: Evidence from the Sardinian longevity Blue Zone. Geriatrics and Gerontology International.
 
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