Lowering Cholesterol May Increase Cancer Risk

By Dr. Marci Scott, ND

Results from a new meta-analysis just released is sparking a lot of interest and controversy.  The analysis was originally designed to look at the relationship between statin drugs and liver and muscle toxicity from over 41,000 patient records and 23 drug trials.  What they found is a significant correlation between lower LDL-cholesterol levels and newly diagnosed cases of cancer.  The researches also observed that rates for liver toxicity rose with increased statin dosing.

These findings should be taken seriously since more than 40 million Americans take statin drugs daily.  Many of us function under the misconception that the lower the cholesterol, the better.  But this is not necessarily true.  Cholesterol is involved in many important functions in the body including the production of hormones, growth and development of the brain and nervous system, precursor to vitamin D in the skin, component of bile acids used in digestion, and growth and repair of tissues.  Very low cholesterol levels can contribute to depression, anxiety, aggressive behavior, and malnutrition.

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) considers LDL to be the primary target of cholesterol-lowering therapy as elevated levels are seen as a risk factor for coronary heart disease.   LDL levels, often called “bad” cholesterol, are part of standard cholesterol panels along with total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels.  However, most labs determine LDL using the Friedewald formula, which is a calculated value and therefore not as precise or accurate as a direct measurement.  In 2004 the National Institute of Health lowered the guidelines for LDL from 130 to 100 and in higher risk patients to as low as 70.  This means an increased use of cholesterol-lowering medications based on the lowered calculated numbers rather than direct measurement.  In fact, cholesterol medications have been the top-selling drugs the past several years.

There are newer methods of cholesterol testing available that determine direct LDL levels as well as the number and size of lipoproteins.  These particles transport cholesterol in the blood and can help determine risk factors for cardiovascular disease beyond the standard cholesterol testing.  There are several labs that offer this type of testing, including Spectracell and LipoScience.  Since approximately 50% of people who have had a heart attack had cholesterol levels within “normal” range, the traditional method of measuring cholesterol alone may not be providing a complete picture.

Cholesterol profiles can be improved in many people through dietary changes, weight loss, and regular exercise.  In addition, there are a number of effective non-drug therapies including fish oil, fiber, guggul, garlic, red yeast rice, niacin, and plant sterols.  Naturopathic doctors can help determine which options may be most appropriate for you. 

Article cited: Alsheikh-Ali A,  MD, Maddukuri P, Han H, et al.  Effect of the Magnitude of Lipid Lowering on Risk of Elevated Liver Enzymes, Rhabdomyolysis, and Cancer.J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007; 50:409-418.

Schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation with Dr. Marci Scott, ND by calling 704-708-4404

Marci Scott, ND
Naturopathic Wellness
15105 John J Delaney Drive
Charlotte, North Carolina 28277
Phone: 704-752-9346
www.naturopathic-wellness.com

Know Your Cholesterol Numbers - Know Your Risk - Give yourself some TLC

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HEALTH FACT:

Nearly 20% of Americans ages 20-74 have high cholesterol levels.

Heart Factors You CAN’T Change

Increasing age - About four out of five people who die of coronary heart disease are 65 or older. 3,4

Male gender - Men have more heart attacks than women. Even after menopause, when women’s death rate from heart disease increases, men continue to have more heart attacks until both groups reach their 80s. 3,4

Heredity (including Race) While heart disease has often been noted to occur in families, recent research has shown this link may be the result of environment more than heredity. In other words, your dad’s high blood pressure and your high blood pressure may be related more to your mutual love of salty foods than your genetics.5,6 African Americans tend to have very high blood pressure and a higher risk of heart attacks than other races. 3,4

Heart Factors You CAN Change

Tobacco smoke
Smokers have twice the risk of heart attack than nonsmokers.4

High blood cholesterol
As blood cholesterol rises, so does the risk of heart disease. 3,4

High blood pressure
High blood pressure increases the heart’s workload, causing the heart to thicken and become stiffer. 4

Physical inactivity
Exercise most days of the week helps prevent heart disease. The more vigorous the activity, the greater your benefits. 3,4

Obesity and overweight
People who have excess body fat are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they have no other risk factors. 3,4

Individual coping styles
Research has shown there is a link between heart disease risk and stress, happiness, negativity, and socio-economic status. 3,6-10

Alcohol consumption
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure. However, the risk of heart disease in people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol (an average of one drink for women or two drinks for men per day) is lower than in nondrinkers. 3,4

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