Low Cholesterol Levels May Not Mitigate Cardiovascular Risk in Smokers

Although low cholesterol levels are typically associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, this protective effect may be diminished in smokers, according to recent research. These findings underscore the complex interplay between smoking, cholesterol levels, and cardiovascular health.

October 2002

Low Cholesterol Levels May Not Mitigate Cardiovascular Risk in Smokers

Source: American Journal of Epidemiology 2002;155:354-360

Now, a large study carried out by researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago shows that a low cholesterol level does not reduce this risk. The study included 8,800 middle-aged American men, analyzing their cholesterol levels, smoking patterns and medical history, and followed them for 25 years. 41% of these men were smokers, and 37% had total cholesterol below 200 mg/dl.

The results showed that, among smokers, the risk of developing any coronary or cardiovascular disease was independent of cholesterol levels. Likewise, the risk of death among men who had never smoked was significantly lower than that of smokers with low cholesterol.