The Link Between Hypothyroidism and High Cholesterol

Has your doctor told you you have high cholesterol, but isn’t sure why? If you’re at risk for overactive thyroid, you might want to get checked for that, too, because there’s a link between the two.

Your cholesterol levels are something that should be checked regularly, especially as you get older, gain weight, or become less active. However, sometimes cholesterol levels are about more than just your age, diet, or exercise regimen.

At West Houston Heart Center in Houston, Texas, Dr. Humayun Naqvi and his team test for and treat high cholesterol as part of preventive cardiology. They can also refer you for additional testing for conditions that could be related to a high cholesterol reading — like hypothyroidism.

Cholesterol 101

High cholesterol is more complicated than it sounds. There are several different types of cholesterol, and your liver makes most of the cholesterol you need — but most people get extra cholesterol from what they eat, especially animal products.

There are two main types of cholesterol: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein). You normally want your HDL levels to be higher and your LDL levels to be lower. If the total cholesterol, your LDL levels, and/or triglycerides (another kind of lipid used to store calories) in your blood are high, you’re at increased risk for heart disease.

Thyroid basics

Your thyroid is a little gland in your neck. It’s shaped like a tiny butterfly, and it makes hormones that control your metabolism. Your energy levels and how you burn calories and gain or lose weight are all connected to your thyroid.

If your thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism, caused by too much stimulation from your pituitary gland), it makes too much of certain hormones. You might notice that you’re starving all the time, losing weight without trying, and even experiencing symptoms like hand tremors or an unusually rapid or uneven heartbeat.

If your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism, caused by not enough stimulation), it doesn’t make enough of the same hormones. You can find it difficult to lose weight, be extra sensitive to cold and temperature changes, feel fatigued all the time, and have a slowed heart rate.

The undeniable link

Another sign of underactive thyroid is high cholesterol. One of the jobs thyroid hormone helps with is producing, moderating, and eliminating cholesterol. If you aren’t making enough thyroid hormone, your body can’t get rid of excess cholesterol as efficiently.

It’s thought that as many as 13% of people with high cholesterol also have hypothyroidism. If you have high cholesterol but don’t have many of the usual risk factors, we might ask for a test to see how much thyroid hormone you’re producing. If your levels are low, that could be behind your high cholesterol.

Fortunately, you can take medication to boost your thyroid hormones. If an underactive thyroid is responsible for your higher cholesterol, you should see your numbers come down. Your risk for heart disease can come down at the same time.

Worried about your cholesterol, and already living a healthy lifestyle? Schedule an appointment at West Houston Heart Center, and we can discuss if your thyroid hormone level should be tested. Call us at 832-400-3957, or request an appointment online.