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Birth Control Pills and Low HDL Increase Risk of Stroke in Young Women

This study analyzed the relationship between various blood lipid parameters and the risk of ischemic stroke in patients under 45 years of age.

  • There was no relation found between risk of ischemic stroke and total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, or triglycerides.

  • Only low HDL cholesterol levels were shown to increase risk.

  • Other increased risk factors included the use of oral contraceptives, high blood pressure, smoking, and male sex.

These risk factors remained, regardless of any apparent atherosclerosis. The authors state that although the relation between serum lipids and ischemic stroke remains controversial, low HDL cholesterol should be considered in the care of young patients regardless of the detectable presence of atherosclerosis.

Journal of Neurology and Neurosurgical Psychiatry June 2000;69:29-33.



Dr. Mercola''s Comments Dr. Mercola's Comments:

It is interesting that total cholesterol showed no association, yet low HDL did. Therefore, some cholesterol lowering drugs and diet modifications, which lower HDL along with the total cholesterol, may actually be increasing the risk of this type of stroke. One of the biggest causesof low HDL is the over-consumption of carbohydrates (see article below). Therefore, following my eating plan should help to optimize HDL levels.

As I have stated many times in the past, there is no medical justification for taking birth control pills. The benefits simply do not outweigh the tremendous risks.

Related Articles:

Birth Control Pills Increase Risk of Pulmonary Embolism

THE BIRTH CONTROL PILL UPS HIV TRANSMISSION RISK

HIGH CARBS CAUSES LOW HDL

TOTAL CHOLESTEROL ALMOST ALWAYS IRRELEVANT TO HEART DISEASE





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