With all due respect, the OP asked "how, why, and the consequences for a low reading;" therefore, he or she did, in fact, ask about the effects.
Hi everyone -
Unless someone can help Pragmatic1, who asked about his specific results, and so far, only a couple have even attempted to do so, please do not post to this thread.
He is asking specifically what would cause his specific cholesterol results.. He isn't asking about the effects of it, but what caused it. Already, this has gone off on two different tangents, and he hasn't received a lot of help.
If you don't know, that's fine, but it would be far better to say so than to go off topic.
I've deleted several unrelated posts.
Emily
No, I did not miss the point. Also, it took 10 years to understand that AIDS was not a disease of gay men, time does make a difference and what we thought in 1994 is not necessarily true today..
For instance, the current data from the NIH has eliminated the word "link" between low cholesterol to the word "association" and sated there is no absolute evidence to show a link between low cholesterol and these issues, merely a perceived association based on the review of previous study data.
In case you missed it, we are talking about low levels of Cholesterol here. Low Cholesterol reduces Serotonin levels in the brain leading to the mentioned symptoms. Doesn't make a difference. What was true 20 years ago is still true today.
Let's keep the conversation focused on the OP's concerns, please. Remember that this is a Heart Disease community. If you wish to discuss other diseases/disorders, please do so in the appropriate community. Thank you.
Your data is 20 years old, new data suggests that higher levels of cholesterol are the primary causes of most neurologic and brian disorders including Alzhemiers along with increased risks of several types of cancers.
Just to get back on track here:
In 1994, the American Heart Association Task Force on Cholesterol Issues published a groundbreaking report about a link between total cholesterol levels of less than 160 mg/dL and an increase in deaths from trauma, some types of cancer, hemorrhagic stroke, and respiratory and infectious diseases. Since then, most additional research links very low cholesterol levels to an increased risk of depression, suicide, anxiety, impulsiveness and aggression in men and women, adolescents and adults alike.
That's what the numbers show when analyzing long term follow up with the hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people that have been part of the studies for the past 10 plus years. Whether it is due to lower cholesterol, agenetic factor, an improved life style or whatever, if your numbers are within the recommended levels you are less likely to have a major cardiac event. There is no arguing that number, the reason may be subject to discussion.
Hypocholesterolemia is defined as below 160 mg/dL or 4.1 mmol/l.
Possible causes of low cholesterol are:
Statin drugs
Hyperthyroidism
Adrenal insufficiency
Liver disease
Malabsorption
Malnutrition
Abetalipoproteinemia
Hypobetalipoproteinemia
Manganese deficiency
Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome
Marfan syndrome
Leukemias and other haematological diseases
Dangers of low cholesterol:
Hormone deficiencies: oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, aldosterone, cortisol
Vitamin D deficiency
Depression
Weak immune system
Haemorrhagic stroke
Shorter life span
Cancer
Dementia
Premature babies, or full term babies with lower weight
Liver disease
Respiratory diseases eg: chronic obstructive lung disease (emphysema)
Decreased learning ability and intelligence
Slower visuomotor speed; how quick to react in emergency situations
Aortic dissection
Moodiness
Aggressive behavior
Violence
Suicide