The Study
Role of arterial lipoproteins in the formation of the fibrous plaque.
We only know that the bad cholesterol stuff was higher in clogged arteries, but we don’t know how they did the study or if it’s even fair. So we can’t say it caused the clogging or even really that it’s linked—it’s just a guess from a tiny hint.
Analysis score
Maximum 44 for a cross-sectional study.
Where the score came from
Scientists looked at cholesterol particles in artery walls and found more of them where there was more plaque.
Where does this study sit?
Reviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert Opinion
Max 520 / 100
Quality score
Snapshots of a population at a single point in time, or descriptions of small groups. Can identify correlations and prevalence, but cannot determine cause and effect.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1This suggests cholesterol particles may build up in arteries as plaque gets worse, but it doesn't prove they cause it.
- 2More VLDL and LDL particles were found in diseased arteries than in healthy ones, and the more plaque, the more particles.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
Advances in experimental medicine and biology
Year
1977
Authors
W. Hollander
Related Content
Claims (2)
Atherosclerotic artery tissue contains more VLDL and LDL lipoproteins that can be extracted with saline than healthy artery tissue, and the amount increases as the disease worsens.
High levels of LDL cholesterol by themselves do not lead to the buildup of plaque in arteries or to heart disease.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.