Research shows, the quality of a man's health can be determined also by the levels of cholesterol in their blood. Those who are able to maintain stable levels of good cholesterol or HDL his relative has a long life.

According to researchers at the Boston study published the American Journal of Cardiology, the man who is able to reach the age of 85 years tend to have high HDL cholesterol levels while in their 60s. Men of his HDL highest risk of less than 28 percent died at age 85, compared with men with HDL levels was the lowest.

Dr. Nir Barzillai from the Institute for Aging Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, U.S., believes the results of this study add to evidence that cholesterol plays an important role in determining the quality of one's health.

"We must always remember that this is a relationship, and it does not mean having a high HDL can increase life expectancy," said Barzillai.

According to the American Heart Association, about 12 million people in the land of Uncle Sam suffering from heart disease and stroke by the year 2006. But the risk of heart problems can actually be lowered by maintaining HDL cholesterol levels remain high. HDL levels are low, less than 40 milligrams per deciliter (mg / dL) in blood, as long as it is also known to increase risk of heart disease.


Scientists from the Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center in Boston, USA, conducted a review of medical records of 650 veterans when they were aged about 65 years. Later, these veterans can be sorted by their HDL levels.

Starting from the lowest level that is 40 mg / dL, the researchers found that each 10 mg / dL increase in HDL, a man has an 14 percent reduced risk of dying at age 85. Overall, there are 375 veterans who survive past the age.

In addition, there were few men of her high HDL levels who are overweight and among those likely to drink alcohol does not exceed two drinks a day. Among them are also less likely to have heart problems and smoking, than in the low HDL group.

According Barzillai these factors also may affect the durability of the men. Even so, the researchers did not consider these factors, and and the results of the study showed a strong relationship between attainment of age 85 with high levels of HDL.

Barzillai add, to alter HDL levels in the body is not easy. Exercise may help, but now there is no way the most efficient way to improve HDL levels. "At the end we may need medication," he said.

According to the Mayo Clinic, one type of supplement intake of vitamin B that niacin may help boost HDL levels between 15 to 35 percent. However, there is a risk that sempingnya effect on liver damage and increased blood sugar. But there is also a natural source of niacin that is made from dairy products, lean meat, beans, eggs and fish.