How quickly can cholesterol change
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How Quickly Can Cholesterol Change?
Long-Term Changes in Cholesterol Levels
18-Year Cholesterol Trends in Men and Women
Cholesterol levels can change significantly over long periods. A study tracking cholesterol levels over 18 years found that mean cholesterol levels increased in all age groups. The highest increase in men was 1.23 mmol/L (20%) in the youngest age group (20-24 years), while in women, the maximum increase was 1.12 mmol/L (17%) in the 40-44 age group. Weight gain was a significant factor influencing these changes .
10- and 20-Year Cholesterol Changes in Older Men
In a study of Japanese-American men aged 71 to 93, total cholesterol levels decreased over 20 years, with a more significant reduction in the second decade. This decline occurred regardless of initial health conditions or lifestyle factors, suggesting that aging alone can influence cholesterol levels .
Shorter-Term Changes in Cholesterol Levels
6-Year Changes in HDL and LDL Cholesterol
A study over six years found that HDL and LDL cholesterol levels remained relatively stable, with 86% of HDL and 89% of LDL values within ±30% of their original values. Changes in HDL were associated with alcohol use and postmenopausal estrogen use in women, while changes in LDL were linked to changes in body mass index (BMI) .
10-Year Changes in Young Men
In young Dutch men, a 10-year study showed that total cholesterol increased by 1.20 mmol/L, while HDL cholesterol decreased by 0.12 mmol/L. The primary determinant of these changes was an increase in body fatness, highlighting the impact of weight gain on cholesterol levels .
Immediate and Short-Term Dietary Impacts
Dietary Cholesterol Intake in Young Women
In a study of healthy young women, increasing dietary cholesterol intake by adding eggs to the diet resulted in modest increases in both LDL and HDL cholesterol over an 8-week period. Total fasting cholesterol increased by 0.073 mmol/L per 100 mg of dietary cholesterol added per day .
Global and Population-Based Trends
Global Cholesterol Trends from 1980 to 2018
A comprehensive global analysis revealed that total and non-HDL cholesterol levels have increased in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in East and Southeast Asia, while they have decreased in high-income Western countries. This shift underscores the changing dietary and lifestyle patterns worldwide .
National Trends in HDL and Non-HDL Cholesterol
A pooled analysis of 458 population-based studies showed that while total cholesterol trends can obscure changes in HDL and non-HDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol has generally increased in many Western countries, Japan, and South Korea. This increase in HDL cholesterol is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease .
Conclusion
Cholesterol levels can change over various timeframes, influenced by factors such as age, weight gain, dietary habits, and broader population trends. Long-term studies indicate significant changes over decades, while shorter-term studies show more modest fluctuations. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for managing cardiovascular health effectively.
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