Ratios Matter: The Truth Behind Cholesterol and Health

The common belief that elevated LDL cholesterol levels are solely linked to cardiovascular disease risk is based on correlations, leading to absolutist statements. The Framingham study highlights the importance of considering the ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol levels. While high LDL alone may increase mortality risk, when balanced with healthy HDL levels, the mortality risk decreases significantly. This emphasizes the significance of ratios in assessing health, with the LDL to HDL ratio of 2:1 being considered optimal for healthy longevity and physiology.