After analysing the genetic characteristics that determine the size of good cholesterol particles, a team of researchers has demonstrated that not all good cholesterol is healthy.

The findings indicate that people with large high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles have an increased risk of myocardial infarction, while only small HDL particles are actually associated with decreased risk.

According to the researchers, HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease as it transports cholesterol deposited in the arteries to the liver to be eliminated.

This contrasts with the so-called bad cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), which causes cholesterol to accumulate in the arteries and increases cardiovascular risk.

For the study, published in the journal Metabolism, Clinical and Experimental, the team analysed genetic characteristics that determine the size of good cholesterol particles and then studied their relationship with the risk of myocardial infarction.

The good cholesterol particles are more effective in transferring cholesterol to the liver so that it can be eliminated, the study revealed.

Currently, there are no drugs that increase good cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

(This story was published from a syndicated feed. Only the headline and picture has been edited by FIT).