An accumulation of cholesterol in your arteries could lead to inflammation. Changes in inflammation can impact the metabolism of lipids such as cholesterol. Both of these factors may raise your risk of heart disease as a result of this relationship.
You're not the only one who struggles with elevated cholesterol levels. According to experts, 2 out of every 5 persons in the US have high total blood cholesterol.
Your body produces the fatty material known as cholesterol. Everybody needs some cholesterol. Our body utilises cholesterol for hormone production, vitamin D synthesis, and cell repair.
However, excessive cholesterol might lead to issues. It may begin to accumulate as plaque on the artery walls, narrowing the arteries and obstructing blood flow. Your chance of having a heart attack or stroke rises as a result.
Your body's reaction to anything it believes to be dangerous is inflammation. Additionally, inflammation can alter the condition of your arteries and increase the likelihood that cholesterol will create issues.
According to certain studies, inflammation plays a greater role in heart disease than cholesterol. To find out more about this link, continue reading.
Does cholesterol affect inflammation?
Inflammation is impacted by cholesterol in various ways.
Every cell in your body has cholesterol. More cholesterol enters your cells when your cholesterol levels are high.
A 2015 study found that your immune system's production of more inflammatory proteins coincided with this cholesterol infusion.
An inflammatory response in the body can also be brought on by plaque accumulation in the arteries. This reaction exacerbates the damage and makes heart disease more likely.
Does inflammation affect cholesterol levels?
Your body's inflammation can alter your cholesterol levels in several ways.
Inflammation has been related in studies to decreased HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. By lowering blood cholesterol levels, HDL cholesterol contributes to heart health protection. Because plaque deposits are more likely to be caused by cholesterol, low HDL is a risk factor for heart disease.
Additionally, inflammation produces thicker LDL "bad" cholesterol molecules, which are more readily converted into plaque formations.
Triglycerides are a different kind of fat that are elevated in the blood due to inflammation. Elevated levels of triglycerides are an additional risk factor for heart disease.
Lowering cholesterol has historically been the main strategy used to lower the risk of heart disease. Identifying strategies to lower inflammation may be even more crucial.
Autoimmune diseases and high cholesterol
A collection of illnesses known as autoimmune diseases are brought on by an aberrant immune response. The inflammatory reaction doesn't stop and instead begins to wreak harm in autoimmune illnesses.Systemic inflammation can result from autoimmune illnesses such as lupus. This implies that it may have an impact on a variety of bodily processes, such as metabolism and circulation (heart and blood vessels). Plaque may accumulate more readily on arterial walls as a result of several circumstances.For those with autoimmune illnesses, this may increase their chance of developing heart disease.2019 research also shows a connection between low HDL and an increased risk of autoimmune illnesses.
How can I lower cholesterol and inflammation?
The Mediterranean diet is most frequently advised by experts for those who have heart disease or are at risk for it. This diet contains a range of foods that are high in fibre, healthy fats, and antioxidants, all of which may help lower inflammation in the body. LDL levels may be lowered as well.
Among the foods in a Mediterranean diet are:
- an assortment of fruits and veggies
- beans and lentils
- whole grains
- Omega-3 fatty acids found in nuts, seeds, avocados, salmon, and olive oil
- a reasonable quantity of dairy, eggs, and poultry
In addition, medications may play a significant role in controlling or preventing heart disease. This is particularly valid if you have a family history of heart disease or excessive cholesterol.
Taking care of additional heart disease risk factors is another aspect of controlling or preventing heart disease. Actions to do consist of:
- controlling your blood sugar levels whether you are prediabetic or diabetic
- keeping an eye on and adjusting your blood pressure as necessary
- staying active if you are able
- getting enough sleep
- managing stress
- Using drugs or alternative therapies to treat more inflammatory diseases
FAQs
What is the root cause of high cholesterol?
The most prevalent cause of low “good” HDL cholesterol and high “bad” LDL cholesterol is an unhealthy lifestyle. Nevertheless, other medical disorders, some medications, and genes inherited from your parents may also increase LDL cholesterol levels or decrease “good” HDL cholesterol levels.
Does anti-inflammatory lower cholesterol?
Here's why adopting an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle is thought to be among the best methods for decreasing cholesterol and lowering the risk of heart disease: The process by which circulating LDL (also known as "bad" cholesterol) oxidises and forms plaque deposits in blood arteries are brought on by inflammation.
What organ is most affected by high cholesterol?
Your blood contains a waxy material called cholesterol. Although cholesterol is necessary for the body to produce healthy cells, excessive cholesterol can raise your risk of heart disease. It is possible to get fatty deposits in your blood vessels if your cholesterol is high.
Takeaway
Cholesterol and inflammation are two heart disease risk factors. According to several studies, inflammation may be the primary cause of heart disease.
Plaque, or fatty deposits in the arteries, can be caused by high cholesterol. When there is arterial inflammation, this is more likely to occur.
Controlling your cholesterol is not the only factor in managing and preventing heart disease. It involves controlling inflammation as well as other risk factors.
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