High Cholesterol--Good or Bad?

Lately I've been reading a contrary view--that high cholesterol doesn't necessarily correlate with lowered longevity.  In fact, one study showed that women over 55 who had cholesterol of around 270 or more actually lived LONGER!!  Now I don't know what to believe.  I don't want to go on statins and my choles. is around 230.  Any thoughts here?  I'm 65, don't smoke, exercise regularly and have a balanced diet (I weigh l55 and am 5'8")

[Renee Radenberg]

Research has indicated that high cholesterol of the 'bad' cholesterol type can lead to heart disease, blood vessel blockage, and stroke, which may lower your longevity. We have 'good' cholesterol  (HDL) in our body and 'bad' cholesterol (LDL & VLDL). You can high HDL cholesterol levels and be in very good health because HDL attaches itself to LDL & VLDL cholesterols and bring them back to the liver to get broken down. HDL helps the body rid itself of the 'bad' cholesterol. Most people have high cholesterol levels of LDLs & VLDLs, which are the cholesterols that causes the other diseases. To help keep the not consume the bad type of cholesterol yet have food rich in HDLs we recommend a diet moderate in fat. Moderate fat diet means = use polyunsaturated (omega 3, corn oil, nuts, etc) fats and monounsaturated (olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, etc) fats, no saturated fats and no trans fats. Eat low fat meats (chicken, fish, loin of pork) or non-meat sources (soy products, nuts), low fat vegetarian combinations (rice & beans, pasta & beans, low fat cheese & pasta), fat free or low fat dairy products (skim milk, 1% milk, low fat cheese, low fat yogurts, low fat soy milk/yogurt), use plant oils, non trans-fat margarines, and eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Eat daily high fiber breads and cereals (oatmeal). Hope this helped you.