Lowered serum cholesterol and low mood

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Abstract
Reducing serum cholesterol has long been seen as a desirable goal, particularly for those with high concentrations of serum cholesterol and a history of atherosclerotic disease. Recently, the value of lowering (or low) serum cholesterol concentrations has been called into question. A meta-analysis of six primary prevention trials suggested that coronary heart disease mortality tended to be lower in men who were treated with cholesterol lowering regimens, but that the overall mortality did not decline because of a significant increase in deaths from external causes (accidents, suicide, or homicide).1 This increased risk for violent death was apparent whether cholesterol lowering was by drug or dietary intervention. Subsequent studies on this phenomenon have not resolved the issue but have caused further debate on the design and meaning of each study as well as the central issue of whether low serum cholesterol is a desirable goal.