Cholesterol News

1. Why heart attacks can still happen even when bad cholesterol is low

   Even when bad cholesterol is brought down to healthy levels, some people remain at risk of heart attacks, and scientists may have discovered why. Researchers identified two types of fat-carrying particles that appear to promote inflammation and damage blood vessels through mechanisms beyond cholesterol buildup.

2. Major trial challenges how doctors decide who really needs statins

   A study of nearly 5,800 adults found that heart scans measuring calcium buildup in the arteries led to the same observed rate of major cardiovascular events as traditional risk assessments, despite recommending statins to far fewer patients. Surprisingly, patients advised to take statins based on their scans were nearly three times as likely to stick with their medication, raising intriguing questions about how doctors should identify and treat heart disease risk.

3. For decades, we were told to avoid full-fat dairy. New research says otherwise

   Full-fat dairy may not be the health villain it has long been portrayed as, according to a new study finding that three daily servings did not worsen weight, cholesterol, or insulin resistance over 12 weeks. Researchers also observed improvements in blood pressure and nutrient intake, raising questions about longstanding recommendations to choose low-fat dairy.

4. Scientists discover a hidden driver of high cholesterol and a way to stop it

   Scientists have uncovered a hidden mechanism that allows high-cholesterol diets to undermine the body's natural cholesterol defenses, and blocking it dramatically lowered harmful LDL cholesterol in mice. Even more promising, an experimental drug targeting this pathway has already passed an early human safety trial, potentially speeding the development of a new treatment for high cholesterol.

5. A simple daily fiber supplement reduced arthritis pain and improved strength

   A new clinical trial suggests that a simple daily fiber supplement could significantly reduce knee osteoarthritis pain, improve muscle strength, and make the body less sensitive to pain. Researchers discovered that the benefits may be linked to changes in gut bacteria and the hormone GLP-1, revealing a promising new approach to arthritis relief.

6. Mediterranean diet may boost tiny proteins that protect the heart and brain

   Scientists have uncovered a surprising new clue to why the Mediterranean diet is so good for the heart, brain, and healthy aging. Researchers at USC found that older adults who closely followed the diet had higher levels of two tiny proteins, humanin and SHMOOSE, produced by the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures inside cells. These proteins have been linked to protection against heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and age-related damage.

7. Scientists discover a hidden switch that burns fat and blocks new fat cells

   Scientists have discovered that switching off a protein called Mitch makes human cells burn more fat and prevents new fat cells from developing. The breakthrough builds on experiments in mice that showed remarkable resistance to obesity and improved muscular endurance, raising hopes for a new approach to weight-loss treatment.

8. Millions take fish oil for brain health. A two-year study found no benefit

   A surprising two-year clinical trial found that fish oil supplements successfully delivered omega-3s to the brain but failed to improve memory or protect against Alzheimer's-related brain shrinkage. Researchers suspect that getting these nutrients through a healthy diet may offer benefits that supplements alone cannot provide.