Low cholesterol, depression in men linked to early death

New Geisinger research shows that men with a combination of low total cholesterol and depression were seven times more likely to die prematurely from unnatural causes, such as suicide and accidents.

The study, which was published recently in Journal of Psychiatric Research, found that men with low total cholesterol (165 milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter or less) and depression were at very high risk for premature death from "external causes" including suicide, drug overdose, accidental poisoning and unintended injuries.

"While it's generally understood that having low cholesterol is a good health sign, combined with other factors, it could actually put a person at risk," said Geisinger senior investigator Joseph Boscarino, PhD, MPH.

Low cholesterol levels in a person's blood may lead to decreased serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that helps relay signals to various parts of the brain. Decreased serotonin is linked to depression, anger, sleep loss and other problems, Dr. Boscarino said.

Those with anti-social personality disorder, which is associated with high risk-taking and thrill-seeking, were twice as likely to die prematurely, according to the study. Men with morbid depression had a similar risk.

Cholesterol is important because it serves as a key component or "constituent" of nerve cells in the body, said Geisinger neurologist and study co-author Stuart Hoffman, DO.

"A certain amount of cholesterol needs to be present for neurons to function normally," Dr. Hoffman said. "Our study shows that if a person's cholesterol is too low, nervous system problems could develop."

For the study, Dr. Boscarino reviewed medical histories and medical exams performed on nearly 4,500 Vietnam veterans in 1985/86. These reports included comprehensive mental health assessments, physical exams and assessment of lipid levels, including total cholesterol. Dr. Boscarino also reviewed death certificate data for the veterans that were available in 2000.

The research was funded, in part, with a National Institute of Mental Health Training Grant to Dr. Boscarino.