Inadequate support: The study on which this claim is based has multiple methodological issues and potential biases that make its results and conclusions unreliable.
Cherry-picking: The claim that high cholesterol makes you live longer relies on a single, flawed study and ignores ample evidence from clinical trials showing that lowering cholesterol levels reduces the risk of death.
KEY TAKE AWAY
High levels of cholesterol in the blood is a major risk factor for developing heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and globally. Therefore, regularly checking cholesterol levels is an important first step in reducing the risk of developing or dying from heart disease and stroke. Even small decreases in blood cholesterol can significantly reduce the risk, something that can be achieved through a balanced diet, physical activity, and medication.
FULL CLAIM: “A new study found that 92 percent of people with a high cholesterol level lived longer”
On 11 March 2013, a Facebook post claimed, “A new study found that 92 percent of people with a high cholesterol level lived longer”. The post linked to an article with that exact title published on Livingtraditionally.com in 2020, which in turn cited a study by Ravnskov et al. published in BMJ Open in 2016[1].
This study analyzed cholesterol and all-cause mortality data from 19 previous studies involving 68,094 participants aged 60 and older, concluding that 92% of the people with high “bad” cholesterol...
Foley partner Lisa Noller, Chair of the Firm’s Litigation Department, will be speaking at the American Bar Association’s Qui Tam & Civil False Claims and Healthcare Fraud Institute in Washingt...