Cholesterol Management News & Features

The benefits of statins are clear, and side effects from the cholesterol-fighting drugs are rare, according to a new analysis of decades of scientific research.

Nearly one of every three American adults have high levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol, which contributes to fatty plaque buildup and narrowing of the arteries, the AHA said. People with LDL levels of 100 mg/dL or lower tend to have lower rates of heart disease and stroke.

Very high blood levels of the “good” HDL cholesterol may actually be bad for you, new research suggest. The study linked it to a higher risk for heart attack, and even death, among patients who already had heart problems or who faced a higher risk of developing heart disease.

The investigators also looked at a subgroup of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder that causes extremely high cholesterol that increases the risk of early heart disease.

Heart experts are cautiously embracing the results of a new, landmark clinical trial that questions the value of opening blocked arteries to relieve chest pain.

Maybe, but heart benefits likely outweigh any potential risk from the drugs, experts say

Study found taking them lowered risk of heart disease, death in those with high LDL levels

But drug maker, heart experts question methodology of analysis

Study findings on Repatha are 'reassuring,' but expert wants longer follow-up

Eating them can reduce your risk of heart disease as effectively as statins, heart experts say

But specialists cite research flaws, limitations

Doctors, patients often confused by differing advisories on the cholesterol-lowering drugs

Survey found they know it raises heart risks, but are confused, discouraged about how to lower it

Repatha, inclisiran lowered cholesterol levels even further, but first costs about $14,000 a year to take

Whether taking them results in fewer heart attacks and strokes isn't yet known, researcher says

The supplements linked to muscle pain, other adverse effects similar to statins

Guidelines suggest statins could help ward off heart trouble, but too many people are missing out, study finds

Eliminating trans fats from the U.S. diet may be one factor in this healthy trend, CDC researchers say

Injectable drugs could provide major advance in heart-disease prevention, researchers say

Lifestyle appears more important than the HDL number, study suggests

Dietary changes, other meds and even surgery also can help lower cholesterol levels, study finds

Untreated, the condition also makes arteries age decades faster, study reports

In stroke patients, the cholesterol-lowering drugs might reduce infection risk, study says

Driving cholesterol down to very low levels produced no extra benefit

Heart experts have cast doubt on a study claiming high levels of cholesterol do not cause heart disease in older people.