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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