Low-density lipoprotein, more commonly referred to as LDL cholesterol, has a firm reputation as being the bad cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol, defined by MayoClinic.com as those above 130 mg/dL, are associated with plaque buildup in arteries and increased risk of heart attack or stroke. On the other hand, having LDL cholesterol levels that are considered too low for your body type--generally below 70 mg/dL--can lead to other health problems.
Parkinson's Disease
Having low LDL cholesterol levels contributes to a high risk of developing Parkinson's Disease, according to a 2008 study published in Movement Disorders. The study, which defined low LDL cholesterol levels as those below 114 mg/dL, found that subjects with these low LDL cholesterol levels were 3.5 times as likely as those with higher LDL levels to develop Parkinson's disease. Study participants were monitored for 10 years as a part of the study, and the study also found that the risk of developing Parkinson's Disease associated with having low LDL cholesterol levels was the highest among older men. Researchers are recommending more studies to learn more about the link and the role of cholesterol-lowering drugs in causing problems with Parkinson's for patients.
Cancer
In a 2007 study published in the "Journal of the American College of Cardiology" designed to test the side effects of statins, researchers instead found a link between lowered LDL cholesterol levels and cancer. Researchers discovered that lower levels of LDL cholesterol lead to an increased incidence of cancer, according to Medical News Today. The increased risk is admittedly small, with one additional case of cancer showing up per 1,000 people as a result of low LDL cholesterol levels, but given the large numbers of Americans taking statin drugs, researchers felt that the link merited attention and further study.
Complications in Pregnancy
Low levels of LDL cholesterol during pregnancy are associated with complications. This can include both giving birth prematurely and low birth weights in children. MayoClinic.com recommends talking with a doctor if you know your cholesterol levels are low when trying to become pregnant or first discovering a pregnancy.
