What effect do my thyroid levels have on my cholesterol?

Hypothyroidism causes a rise in LDL cholesterol levels.

By: Mansi Kohli | | Published: January 30, 2018 1:57 pm

While your doctor would have certainly alarmed you about how having the wrong type of cholesterol would have a direct impact on the condition of your heart; what you might not know is how cholesterol can have a direct impact on your thyroid levels too. Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala, Founder & Chief Surgeon – Digestive Health Institute by Dr.Muffi will help us in understanding the real connection between these two prominent lifestyle conditions of modern age.

Hypothyroidism causes a rise in LDL cholesterol levels: Hypothyroidism can cause an elevated LDL cholesterol level, as low thyroid levels can interfere and slow down the breakdown of LDL Cholesterol in the body. But yes, it is not known to specifically affect triglyceride levels

Do statins affect the thyroid? Statins are medications that reduce the blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Statins are given to patients with hypothyroidism as they are predisposed to high cholesterol levels. But they are not known to affect thyroid levels in patients.

How does thyroid affect blood pressure? An underactive thyroid and overactive thyroid gland can cause an elevation in blood pressure.

When underactive, the low levels of thyroid hormone can cause a decrease in the BMR. This leads to blood being concentrated in the core of the body as opposed to the peripheries. This, in turn, causes a decrease in the calibre of the blood vessels, which raises the blood pressure. When overactive, the thyroid gland can increase the BMR. This causes a hyperdynamic state, which increases the blood pressure.

Hence, both an overactive and underactive thyroid gland can cause a rise in the blood pressure.

How many times should I get my thyroid and cholesterol tested?

For thyroid; a normal person should get checked once and an abnormal person should get checked once in 3 months, 6 months and then once a year.

For Cholesterol; a normal person should get checked once a year and an abnormal should get checked once in every 3 months till abnormality is corrected and then once a year.

The right way to control thyroid and cholesterol through lifestyle management: Thyroid hormone levels cannot be adequately controlled with lifestyle changes. Overactive and underactive thyroid glands need medical or surgical management as deemed appropriate. However, regulating the iodine in the diet, regular exercises and maintaining an active lifestyle can help supplement the medical management.

For high cholesterol levels, changing lifestyle by maintaining an active life with adequate exercise, a low carbohydrate, low fat, high protein diet will aid in controlling cholesterol levels.

Image source: Shutterstock

Published: January 30, 2018 1:57 pm

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