Study Shows Cholesterol Levels In America Have Been On The Decline

Cholesterol levels in America have been declining on average and new research suggests that healthier diets nationwide may be a factor.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collected data from more than 39,000 adults who had their total cholesterol levels, LDL ("bad" cholesterol) levels, and triglyceride levels checked as part of an ongoing U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results showed that average cholesterol and triglyceride levels have continuously declined from 1999 to 2014, CBS reported.

With healthier hearts, heart-disease related deaths have also decreased.

"Although heart disease remains the number one cause of death, we have made tremendous strides in lowering the number of people at risk," Dr. Satjit Bhusri, a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, told CBS.

The removal of trans fat in many foods could also be a factor in lowered cholesterol.

Dr. David Friedman, chief of heart failure services at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital in Valley Stream, New York, told CBS he thought "American adults are paying heed and perhaps are being more mindful of cutting out fatty foods to a good degree."