The Link Between Cholesterol and Covid-19 Mortality
Blog Introduction: A recent study has found a link between high cholesterol levels and increased mortality from Covid-19. This groundbreaking research shows that individuals with higher levels of “bad” cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol, are more likely to succumb to the virus than those with lower levels. Let’s take a look at what this means for our health.
The Study and Its Findings
This new study, conducted by the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), looked at the medical records of 3,200 adults over the age of 60 who had been diagnosed with Covid-19 in California between March 1st and April 30th of 2020. The results showed that those individuals whose LDL cholesterol levels were more than 130 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter) had a greater risk of dying from the virus compared to those whose LDL levels were less than 130 mg/dl. In addition, they found that the risk was even greater when looking specifically at patients over 80 years old.
What Does This Mean?
These findings highlight the importance of maintaining healthy cholesterol levels in order to reduce your risk of severe illness from Covid-19. It also indicates that people with elevated cholesterol should take extra precautionary measures such as wearing masks, social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings in order to reduce their chances of being exposed to the virus. Additionally, these results may help inform healthcare providers in determining which older patients are at greatest risk for developing severe complications if infected with Covid-19 so that they can take appropriate action to protect them from infection or treat them quickly if they do become ill.
Conclusion:
The results from this new study are important for everyone—but especially older adults—to be aware of as we navigate this pandemic together. High cholesterol is just one factor among many that can increase an individual’s risk for severe illness due to Covid-19; other factors include underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, age, race, ethnicity, and gender. It is essential that everyone takes all necessary precautions—including following CDC guidelines—in order to protect themselves and their loved ones during this difficult time. By taking proactive steps towards good health now we can work together towards a healthier future for us all.
