Low Blood Total Cholesterol and Mortality: Causality, Consequence and Confounders

Evidence is reviewed about the concern that lowering cholesterol may increase the risk of noncardiovascular death. Longitudinal studies following cholesterol levels & mortality rates have given inconsistent results. An association was found in approximately half the studies relating low cholesterol rates & cancer. Some studies found increased suicide rates in those with low cholesterol levels. Biological reasons for why low cholesterol increases mortality rates are suggested. (74 refs.)