March 2021 PMID 33691735

A nonlinear association of total cholesterol with all-cause and cause-specific mortality.

Guo-Dong He, Xiao-Cong Liu, Lin Liu, Yu-Ling Yu, Chao-Lei Chen, Jia-Yi Huang, Kenneth Lo, Yu-Qing Huang, Ying-Qing Feng

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Mentions

41
Peak: 17 in Sep 2021
across 2 sources since Mar 2021

Extended reach

1,089,641
potential audience

Total likes

14,659

Video views

618,603

Mentions per month

Mar 2021 – Aug 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter37 posts
  • YouTube4 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The collection of posts exemplifies a mix of curiosity and cautious agreement, with several commenters referencing the nonlinear relationship between cholesterol levels and mortality, such as mentions that levels below 120 mg/dL are linked to higher death risks or that levels around 200 mg/dL are potentially healthier. The use of phrases like 'interesting' and references to ongoing scientific debates reflect a thoughtful engagement, emphasizing the complexity and evolving understanding of cholesterol's role in health.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most posts seem to acknowledge the complexity of cholesterol's relationship with mortality, with some highlighting that both low and high levels pose risks, reflecting moderate approval of the article's findings.

InterestHigh interest

The discussions show notable curiosity, with multiple commenters referencing specific cholesterol levels and implications, indicating strong engagement and relevance.

EngagementModerate engagement

Participants mention aspects such as previous studies, biological mechanisms, and potential implications, demonstrating a moderate depth of engagement beyond surface reactions.

ImpactModerate impact

While some posts suggest that the study may influence how cholesterol is viewed in health discussions, the overall tone indicates a cautious perception of the immediate significance, rather than a breakthrough assertion.

Abstract in brief

  • The study found that total cholesterol (TC) has a complex, nonlinear relationship with mortality, showing a U-shaped pattern where both very low and very high TC levels are associated with increased risk of death from all causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer.
  • Specifically, lower TC levels (around 120 mg/dL) are linked to increased all-cause and cancer mortality, while higher TC levels (around 280 mg/dL) are associated with increased CVD and cancer mortality, indicating both ends of the spectrum pose risks.
  • Overall, the results suggest that maintaining TC within an optimal range is important for reducing mortality risk, as both very low and very high levels are linked to poorer survival outcomes.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Mikhail V. Blagosklonny, MD PhD Professor Oncology
@Blagosklonny · X

In the Americans too “normal” total cholesterol (TC) levels (< 200) is associated with increased mortality compared with slightly elevated TC. https://t.co/ZWkK0yJogC https://t.co/AyqZFpkLid

Sep 7, 2021 · 83 likes · 13 shares · 22,303 followers View post →
IberianCitizen
@IberianCitizen · X

El colesterol, ni demasiado alto ni demasiado bajo. https://t.co/z8UqB5Dprg https://t.co/SW9RcgfWNL

Mar 10, 2021 · 29 likes · 2 shares · 12,924 followers View post →
Mikhail V. Blagosklonny, MD PhD Professor Oncology
@Blagosklonny · X

TC  < 120 mg/dL was strongly predictive of death risk from all causes, whereas TC  ≥ 280 was not, except to CVD mortality. https://t.co/tCp4N1LtvA

Sep 7, 2021 · 17 likes · 4 shares · 22,303 followers View post →
ZahcM
@ZahcM · X

"A nonlinear association of total cholesterol with all-cause and cause-specifc mortality" - https://t.co/2MISpyTvid "A TC range of <200 mg/dL was strongly linked to a higher risk of death from all causes, as well as cancer." https://t.co/6CS2jDNmRF

Mar 16, 2021 · 7 likes · 3 shares · 1,919 followers View post →
Darg
@darg_2036 · X

@FyodorOnegin But Peat didn't cite that study to my knowledge, and this survey found similar results. https://t.co/qosXqk69BG It's common for studies to speculate on ways the established dogma can be salvaged from conflicting results as scientific authors don't want to compromise their

Aug 15, 2025 · 3 likes · 2,114 followers View post →
Nick Krontiris
@nick_krontiris · X

This one found a nonlinear association of total cholesterol with all-cause and specific-cause mortality, with the optimal cut-off values depending on age, race, sex and lipid-lowering drugs use. https://t.co/s1TRsWni1h

Mar 16, 2021 · 2 likes · 19,084 followers View post →

All mentions

FactChecker, Ph.D.
@Faktantarkast10 · X

@NikoHeikkala @HarriLehtimaki Kokonaiskolesteroli 5.5 mmol/litra tosiaan korreloi alimpaan kuolleisuuteen (NHANES). Mutta kardiovaskulaarinen kuolleisuus kuitenkin on koholla esimerkiksi jos kokonaiskolesteroli on 7 mmol/litra. https://t.co/GVHdjJVZov https://t.co/ymNXQgrpwf

Aug 24, 2025 · 4,709 followers View post →
Darg
@darg_2036 · X

@FyodorOnegin But Peat didn't cite that study to my knowledge, and this survey found similar results. https://t.co/qosXqk69BG It's common for studies to speculate on ways the established dogma can be salvaged from conflicting results as scientific authors don't want to compromise their

Aug 15, 2025 · 3 likes · 2,114 followers View post →
Alex Kuzbidon
@kuzbidon · X

@Sandy18981238 @docisa33 Et même pour le cholestérol la science évolue https://t.co/gU7Oh0sfTu

Mar 15, 2025 · 1 like · 114 followers View post →
GW, MD
@porterguy1 · X

@LenaandLucy Here’s a link to the study: https://t.co/j0eMwpW4XH

Mar 11, 2025 · 1 like · 16,944 followers View post →
Joe Fery
@NukerphFJ · X

@MohammedAlo Please comment on this study. Low cholesterol shows an increase in all cause mortality. The levels they discuss are interesting. https://t.co/1BnIdhD505

Oct 18, 2024 View post →
ApacheAH64
@JestemApache · X

@JanMetal2 @realtek12345 @MikolajPisarski https://t.co/XpNRs9a87S

Jan 7, 2024 · 292 followers View post →
Carnivore is Vegan
@CarnivoreIs · X

@centerepublican @kevinburch @DrAlanDesmond Btw, "however, a TC range of < 200 mg/dL was strongly linked to a higher risk of death from all causes, as well as cancer" a cholesterol level between 200-250 is actually healthier. But few studies measure all cause mortality. https://t.co/FOYgSZGRPf

Oct 28, 2023 · 3,705 followers View post →
br00net
@br00net · X

@TomaszLaszcz @MOstrega https://t.co/ONsz4u10ns

Aug 8, 2023 · 57 followers View post →
AntonioC Martinez II
@usambcuba · X

A nonlinear association of total cholesterol with all-cause and cause-specific mortality https://t.co/VucoMGpt6r This presents what Yuri Granik calls, The "Main Cholesterol Dilemma" Nutr Metab (Lond). 2021 Mar 10.

Feb 9, 2023 · 4,087 followers View post →
Tyler
@examiner1277 · X

@CornivoreA @DrNadolsky https://t.co/5DHiB7U82X

Jul 9, 2022 · 518 followers View post →
Tyler
@examiner1277 · X

@CornivoreA @DrNadolsky https://t.co/5DHiB7U82X Again, where do you fall on this chart?

Jul 9, 2022 · 518 followers View post →
Rapamycin Press
@RapamycinPress · X

RT @Blagosklonny: TC  < 120 mg/dL was strongly predictive of death risk from all causes, whereas TC  ≥ 280 was not, except to CVD mortali…

Sep 9, 2021 · 4 shares · 3,443 followers View post →
Rapamycin Press
@RapamycinPress · X

RT @Blagosklonny: In the Americans too “normal” total cholesterol (TC) levels (< 200) is associated with increased mortality compared with…

Sep 9, 2021 · 13 shares · 3,443 followers View post →
Ricky
@ricky89449195 · X

RT @Blagosklonny: TC  < 120 mg/dL was strongly predictive of death risk from all causes, whereas TC  ≥ 280 was not, except to CVD mortali…

Sep 9, 2021 · 4 shares · 310 followers View post →
Ricky
@ricky89449195 · X

RT @Blagosklonny: In the Americans too “normal” total cholesterol (TC) levels (< 200) is associated with increased mortality compared with…

Sep 9, 2021 · 13 shares · 310 followers View post →
Jake
@Jake_dd_snake · X

RT @Blagosklonny: In the Americans too “normal” total cholesterol (TC) levels (< 200) is associated with increased mortality compared with…

Sep 8, 2021 · 13 shares · 57 followers View post →
Puneet Pareek
@puneetkpareek · X

RT @Blagosklonny: In the Americans too “normal” total cholesterol (TC) levels (< 200) is associated with increased mortality compared with…

Sep 8, 2021 · 13 shares · 81 followers View post →
PC ⛓
@PC65049955 · X

RT @Blagosklonny: In the Americans too “normal” total cholesterol (TC) levels (< 200) is associated with increased mortality compared with…

Sep 7, 2021 · 13 shares · 1,469 followers View post →
lopo
@Tonylopo · X

RT @Blagosklonny: In the Americans too “normal” total cholesterol (TC) levels (< 200) is associated with increased mortality compared with…

Sep 7, 2021 · 13 shares · 733 followers View post →
Sunset HQ
@SunsetHQBC · X

RT @Blagosklonny: In the Americans too “normal” total cholesterol (TC) levels (< 200) is associated with increased mortality compared with…

Sep 7, 2021 · 13 shares · 15 followers View post →
Waterpenny
@Waterpenny111 · X

RT @Blagosklonny: In the Americans too “normal” total cholesterol (TC) levels (< 200) is associated with increased mortality compared with…

Sep 7, 2021 · 13 shares · 621 followers View post →
Gokuack
@Gokcuack · X

RT @Blagosklonny: In the Americans too “normal” total cholesterol (TC) levels (< 200) is associated with increased mortality compared with…

Sep 7, 2021 · 13 shares · 45 followers View post →
sara
@sarasbored · X

RT @Blagosklonny: In the Americans too “normal” total cholesterol (TC) levels (< 200) is associated with increased mortality compared with…

Sep 7, 2021 · 13 shares · 68 followers View post →
NextHundredYears
@NxtHundredYears · X

RT @Blagosklonny: In the Americans too “normal” total cholesterol (TC) levels (< 200) is associated with increased mortality compared with…

Sep 7, 2021 · 13 shares · 12 followers View post →
P.D. Mangan Health & Freedom Maximalist
@Mangan150 · X

RT @Blagosklonny: In the Americans too “normal” total cholesterol (TC) levels (< 200) is associated with increased mortality compared with…

Sep 7, 2021 · 13 shares · 291,950 followers View post →
Mikhail V. Blagosklonny, MD PhD Professor Oncology
@Blagosklonny · X

RT @Blagosklonny: TC  < 120 mg/dL was strongly predictive of death risk from all causes, whereas TC  ≥ 280 was not, except to CVD mortali…

Sep 7, 2021 · 4 shares · 22,303 followers View post →
Mikhail V. Blagosklonny, MD PhD Professor Oncology
@Blagosklonny · X

TC  < 120 mg/dL was strongly predictive of death risk from all causes, whereas TC  ≥ 280 was not, except to CVD mortality. https://t.co/tCp4N1LtvA

Sep 7, 2021 · 17 likes · 4 shares · 22,303 followers View post →
Mikhail V. Blagosklonny, MD PhD Professor Oncology
@Blagosklonny · X

In the Americans too “normal” total cholesterol (TC) levels (< 200) is associated with increased mortality compared with slightly elevated TC. https://t.co/ZWkK0yJogC https://t.co/AyqZFpkLid

Sep 7, 2021 · 83 likes · 13 shares · 22,303 followers View post →
Austin Jeans
@jeansdoc61 · X

RT @ZahcM: "A nonlinear association of total cholesterol with all-cause and cause-specifc mortality" - https://t.co/2MISpyTvid "A TC range…

Mar 17, 2021 · 3 shares · 960 followers View post →
David Wyant
@wyadvd · X

RT @ZahcM: "A nonlinear association of total cholesterol with all-cause and cause-specifc mortality" - https://t.co/2MISpyTvid "A TC range…

Mar 17, 2021 · 3 shares · 2,691 followers View post →
DiscoStew
@DiscoStew66 · X

RT @ZahcM: "A nonlinear association of total cholesterol with all-cause and cause-specifc mortality" - https://t.co/2MISpyTvid "A TC range…

Mar 16, 2021 · 3 shares · 10,801 followers View post →
ZahcM
@ZahcM · X

"A nonlinear association of total cholesterol with all-cause and cause-specifc mortality" - https://t.co/2MISpyTvid "A TC range of <200 mg/dL was strongly linked to a higher risk of death from all causes, as well as cancer." https://t.co/6CS2jDNmRF

Mar 16, 2021 · 7 likes · 3 shares · 1,919 followers View post →
bioMioSoftware
@bioMioSoftware · X

RT @nick_krontiris: This one found a nonlinear association of total cholesterol with all-cause and specific-cause mortality, with the optim…

Mar 16, 2021 · 102 followers View post →
Nick Krontiris
@nick_krontiris · X

A nonlinear association of total cholesterol with all-cause and cause-specific mortality (open access) https://t.co/uA92S39DHm #cholesterol #CVD #cancer #longevity

Mar 16, 2021 · 1 like · 19,084 followers View post →
Nick Krontiris
@nick_krontiris · X

This one found a nonlinear association of total cholesterol with all-cause and specific-cause mortality, with the optimal cut-off values depending on age, race, sex and lipid-lowering drugs use. https://t.co/s1TRsWni1h

Mar 16, 2021 · 2 likes · 19,084 followers View post →
Oscar Andres
@OscarAndresMD · X

RT @IberianCitizen: El colesterol, ni demasiado alto ni demasiado bajo. https://t.co/z8UqB5Dprg https://t.co/SW9RcgfWNL

Mar 10, 2021 · 2 shares · 548 followers View post →
IberianCitizen
@IberianCitizen · X

El colesterol, ni demasiado alto ni demasiado bajo. https://t.co/z8UqB5Dprg https://t.co/SW9RcgfWNL

Mar 10, 2021 · 29 likes · 2 shares · 12,924 followers View post →