New research is reporting that the longer a person has high LDL, the greater their risk of suffering a heart attack or cardiac arrest. LDL is also called “lethal,” “bad,” or “deadly” cholesterol. The lower the LDL level, the healthier the heart.

For this research, data was gathered from four large prospective health studies involving over 18,000 people who had multiple LDL tests taken at different ages.

The researchers then calculated their cumulative exposure to LDL and followed their health for an average of 16 years.

Most healthy adults should have their lipid profile checked every four to six years.

Some people, such as people who have heart disease or diabetes or who have a family history of high cholesterol, need to get their cholesterol checked more often.

And if your LDL is high, the sooner you treat it, the better for your heart and your life.

The findings were published online in JAMA Cardiology.

© Copyright WLL, INC. 2021. This blog provides healthcare tips and advice that you can trust about a wide variety of general health information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your regular physician. If you are concerned about your health, take what you learn from this blog and meet with your personal doctor to discuss your concerns.