For people with already high calcium buildup in their heart arteries, having higher levels of 'good' cholesterol seems to lower their chance of having a heart attack or stroke—but it doesn’t seem to help them live longer.

59

Pro

0

Against

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

59

Community contributions welcome

59

Factors of health in the protection against death and cardiovascular disease among adults with subclinical atherosclerosis

Cohort Study

Human

2018 Apr

The study found that adults with clogged heart arteries who have higher 'good cholesterol' (HDL) are less likely to have heart attacks, but it didn’t help them live longer — just like the claim says.

Contradicting (0)

0

Community contributions welcome

No contradicting evidence found

Gold Standard Evidence Needed

According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.

Source Study

Factors of health in the protection against death and cardiovascular disease among adults with subclinical atherosclerosis

Score: 59

DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2017.10.026

Similar Assertions

People with higher levels of 'bad' cholesterol in their blood are more likely to have heart attacks or other heart problems.

1

0

72%

If you’re an adult with early signs of heart artery damage but don’t smoke, you’re much less likely to die or have a heart attack or stroke compared to smokers—even if your heart is already showing damage. Quitting smoking might still help you live longer and healthier, even at this stage.

59

0

70%