Heart researchers Also positive HDL cholesterol is a heart attack risk factor

New findings: too much "good" cholesterol increases heart attack risk

According to health experts, about every third German citizen has high cholesterol. An elevated cholesterol level can lead to diseases of the vessels, with possible consequences such as a heart attack. So far, it was assumed that this risk applies to the so-called "bad" LDL cholesterol. In contrast, the "good" HDL cholesterol should even counteract the health risk. But now scientists discovered something completely different.

"Good" versus "bad" cholesterol

For years, a dispute raging over the good and bad cholesterol. High cholesterol levels are considered harmful to health, they are intended to promote arteriosclerosis (arteriosclerosis) and other cardiovascular diseases. However, according to experts, this only applies to the so-called "bad" LDL cholesterol. In contrast, the "good" HDL cholesterol should even counteract the health risk. But now a study showed that too much "good" cholesterol leads to an increased heart attack risk.

It used to be thought that "good" HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) could protect against heart disease. But now a study indicates that HDL-C leads to an increased risk of heart attack and mortality. (Image: jarun011 / fotolia.com)

Increased risk of cardiovascular disease

According to a report by the APA news agency, Austrian Podiocastical Society (ÖKG) President Andrea Podczeck-Schweighofer presented findings at the European Congress of Cardiology in Munich, according to which too much "good" HDL cholesterol leads to an increased heart attack and mortality risk.

According to a US study, especially those with HDL levels above 60 milligrams / deciliter (1.5 mmo / L) have a nearly 50 percent increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease or heart attack Participants with values ​​between 41 and 60 milligrams / deciliter.

In the study around first author Dr. Marc Allard-Ratick from the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, evaluated the association between HDL cholesterol levels and infarct and mortality risk in nearly 6,000 people with a median age of 63 years, most of whom were already had a heart disease.

Further investigations required

"HDL is often referred to as 'good cholesterol' because HDL molecules can help transport cholesterol out of the vessel wall, reducing the risk of clogged arteries and arteriosclerosis," said Podczeck-Schweighofer, APA said.

According to the expert, the study results are interesting because they support existing data that very high HDL cholesterol levels may not have a protective effect.

In addition, unlike most other data available, the study was conducted primarily with patients with existing heart disease.

However, as stated in the APA communication, the authors of the study acknowledge that further research is needed to understand the mechanisms in detail.

"One thing is clear, though. The mantra of HDL cholesterol as 'good' cholesterol will no longer apply to everyone, "says Podczeck-Schweighofer.

No direct protection factor

The US study was not the first to show that "good" HDL cholesterol can harm the heart.

An international team of scientists had two years ago in the journal "Science" reported that HDL is generally not the direct protection factor against heart disease, for which he is held by many people - including cardiologists.

It therefore does not seem likely to take action in affected patients to lower cholesterol.

For a change in diet is usually recommended. If this is not enough, cholesterol-lowering medications are often prescribed. (Ad)