Women benefit from cholesterol-lowering activities as much as men do. Beyond age 45, a greater percentage of women have high cholesterol levels than men, and heart disease has emerged as the leading cause of death among women. It has also been shown that HDL levels tend to drop in women who have just given birth, and that this reduction can continue for as long as 10 years. However, women are far less likely to seek or receive treatment for high cholesterol.

Studies have suggested that high LDL levels are not as significant a risk factor for women as for men. Researchers suggest that apolipoprotein B (apoB), a protein found in low-density lipoproteins, is the best cholesterol-related predictor of coronary artery disease for women (recent studies find that apoB is an equally useful “marker” for men as well). 

As gender-specific research continues, women will probably see an increased availability of information and protocols for monitoring their cholesterol levels.