Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, is a disease that affects the endocrine system. As you probably know, the endocrine system consists of glands that produce hormones that are necessary for your body to function.
The glands in your endocrine system include your pituitary gland, adrenal glands, ovarian/testicular glands, thyroid gland, thymus, pancreas, pineal gland, hypothalamus, and parathyroid glands.
The function of your thyroid is to regulate the body’s metabolism by releasing hormones that control how quickly the body uses energy, makes proteins, and how sensitive the body is to other hormones. So if your thyroid isn’t working, a lot of things in your body can be off.
What Causes Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is usually caused by Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition where the antibodies produced to attack the thyroid gland damage it instead. Other causes include iodine deficiency or many prescription medications such as Lithium and Amiodarone. In children, congenital hypothyroidism is a possibility. In older adults, the autoimmune disease Scleroderma can cause it as well. Hypothyroidism can also result from radiation treatment to the head and neck area or from surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland.
Symptoms and Treatment for Hypothyroidism
Some of the most common symptoms of Hypothyroidism include fatigue, dry skin, constipation, muscle cramps, weight gain, muscle aches in the lower legs and arms, loss of appetite, depression/moodiness.
People with an underactive thyroid usually have a condition called myxedema or myxoedema. This happens when a severe lack of thyroid hormones causes swelling in parts of the body such as the face, hands, and feet. If not treated, myxedema can lead to hypothermia and even death.
Recognized treatments for Hypothyroidism include hormone replacement with synthetic thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) and dietary changes to reduce iodine intake and increase fiber and calcium. If you suspect that you may have hypothyroidism, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to get tested and learn how to treat it.
The Cholesterol-Hypothyroidism Relationship
Studies show a connection between Hypothyroidism and high cholesterol.
The thyroid gland functions to produce thyroid hormones, which are used by the body for various purposes. These hormones interact with many organs of the body, including the heart, liver, kidneys, and brain. Some research shows that when a person is hypothyroid—meaning there’s not enough thyroid hormone in their system—it can have an impact on the body’s metabolism, causing higher cholesterol levels.
While both Hypothyroidism and high cholesterol are serious health conditions that require treatment, it is possible to manage them concurrently. It’s important for people with this condition, as well as their family members, to be aware of the risks associated with thyroid disease and high cholesterol, and to know the signs of a heart attack.
A Look at the Link Between Hypothyroidism and High Cholesterol
Hypothyroidism can cause high cholesterol, and many people with the condition develop high cholesterol as a result.
Hypothyroidism causes poor lipid (fat) metabolism, which is why it increases your risk of heart disease. A person with hypothyroidism will typically have low levels of thyroid hormone known as T3 and elevated levels of reverse T3, a thyroid hormone that actually blocks the activity of T3.
The elevated levels of reverse T3 prevent T3 from attaching to receptors within cells and inhibit its functions there, including lipid metabolism. In addition, low levels of insulin in the body can contribute to higher cholesterol. When you have lower amounts of insulin in your system, your body will hold onto more of your dietary cholesterol.
The connection between hypothyroidism and high cholesterol was first noted in the mid-1950s, but it wasn’t until 1976 that physicians started recommending that testing for thyroid function be done routinely on people with high cholesterol.
Treatment Options for High Cholesterol and Hypothyroidism
Treatment for hypothyroidism usually consists of taking thyroid hormone replacement tablets; these are synthetic versions of thyroxine (T4), the major circulating form of thyroid hormone.
Your physician will closely monitor the dose to make sure it’s not too much or too little, as both can affect your cholesterol levels.
Medications that inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol, such as statins, are often prescribed to lower cholesterol along with hypothyroid treatment.
If lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient to lower cholesterol levels, other medications, including fibrates and niacin can be used in addition to or instead of other drugs you may already be taking.
And if all else fails, your physician may recommend surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism and Cholesterol: Is This Important to Me?
If you have not already, you should talk to your doctor about your thyroid condition and any worries you may have regarding your cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health.
While levothyroxine is successful in treating hypothyroidism-related hyperlipidemia in overt hypothyroidism, there is disagreement regarding whether or not to treat hyperlipidemia in people with subclinical hypothyroidism.
Patients with hyperlipidemia who have subclinical hypothyroidism can be treated. For example, the presence of thyroid symptoms. However, there is presently not enough evidence to recommend thyroid replacement in these patients unless hypothyroidism is present.
Thyroid hormones levels differ from person to person, so it’s critical to discuss with your doctor about the treatment choices that will work best for you given your medical history, family history, and current thyroid status.
Heart Disease and Hypothyroidism
When you have both high cholesterol and hypothyroidism, you are at increased risk for heart disease. It is important to remember that hypothyroidism will only increase your risk of heart attack if it also causes high cholesterol.
If you don’t have high cholesterol, then knowing that you have low thyroid function alone will not make it any more likely that you will experience a heart attack.
If you have high cholesterol and hypothyroidism, your doctor may increase the frequency of your visits to monitor your cholesterol levels. If necessary, he or she may prescribe medications for you to take along with taking levothyroxine in order to lower your cholesterol into healthy ranges.
There are other factors that may contribute to heart disease that should be addressed as well if your cholesterol levels aren’t dropping.
These include quitting smoking, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol consumption (if you drink), and following a low-fat diet.
There is some evidence that selenium supplementation can help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in patients with selenium deficiency and cardiovascular disease.
In a study published in the journal Nutrition, researchers concluded that selenium supplementation can be beneficial for patients with coronary heart disease by decreasing inflammation markers related to the atherosclerosis process.
In another study from 2007, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that vitamin E supplementation (200 IU per day) may help improve blood vessel function in patients with coronary artery disease.
While these results are promising, more research is necessary before vitamin E or selenium supplementation can be recommended for cardiovascular health.
Eating Right to Manage Both Hypothyroid and High Cholesterol
Eating a healthy diet may help you manage both hypothyroidism and high cholesterol.
1. Eat Fiber-Rich Foods
Fiber helps lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol without lowering the protective HDL (“good”) cholesterol. High-fiber foods include vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds.
A high-fiber diet has been shown to be beneficial, whether it’s used on its own or in conjunction with fat- and cholesterol-lowering medications.
2. Eat Omega-3s
Omega-3s are a type of fatty acid found in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring; walnuts; soybeans; flaxseed; and other plant sources.
Omega-3s are thought to improve blood vessel function, lower triglyceride levels, reduce blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and decrease the risk of sudden cardiac death.
Studies also suggest that omega-3s can lower LDL cholesterol when added to statin therapy or in patients with high triglyceride levels.
3. Limit Sodium
Sodium causes your blood pressure to go up, which over time can damage both heart and blood vessels.
The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,400 milligrams of sodium a day. Examples of food high in sodium include cured and processed meats, canned foods, soups, most fast foods, soy sauce, olives, pickles, and ketchup.
There are ways to reduce your salt intake without having to give up the foods you love. Try using garlic, onion, cayenne pepper, ginger root, and lemon juice to season foods instead of salt.
Whenever possible, prepare your own food rather than eating at restaurants or buying convenience foods that contain hidden sodium. Or take advantage of low-sodium options such as reduced-sodium soy sauce and canned vegetables in place of their regular counterparts.
4. Reduce Trans Fats
Trans fats raise your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels without increasing your HDL (“good”) cholesterol. They can also lower your levels of HDL cholesterol.
Eat fewer baked goods, especially commercial baked goods. They are often made with hydrogenated oils, which contain trans fats.
5. Eat Lean, White Meat
Eat lean cuts of meat and skinless poultry to reduce your saturated fat intake.
There’s some evidence that omega-3s in fish may help lower triglyceride levels and LDL cholesterol levels as well. Keep in mind that most deep-water fish such as tuna, mackerel, and swordfish contain mercury, a heavy metal that can affect your thyroid gland. For this reason, it’s important to limit the amount of tuna you eat.
6. Use Olive Oil and Canola Oil in Cooking and at the Table
Olive oil and canola oil contain beneficial monounsaturated fat, which is considered good for the heart when eaten instead of saturated fat.
Use olive oil for cooking and at the table as well as in salad dressings. Drizzle a little over steamed vegetables, baked potatoes, or pasta rather than butter or sour cream to add flavor.
What Exercises Can Help Lower Cholesterol and Boost Metabolism?
Exercising regularly is an important part of managing both high cholesterol and hypothyroidism. It can boost your metabolism, lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, and help you lose weight. Try these exercises:
1. Aerobic exercises
Swimming, jogging, and biking raise your heart rate and make your body use oxygen more efficiently. These exercises also help to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
2. Resistance training
This helps build muscles, which in turn use more energy and burn more calories than fat even when you’re at rest. Lifting weights is one way to tone your muscles. Building muscles can help you lose weight, lower blood sugar levels, reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis, and control blood pressure.
3. Walking
This is simple, effective, inexpensive, and accessible to everyone. It can help you lose weight, lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, maintain healthy bone density, boost your level of HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and improve mental health.
Conclusion
Hypothyroidism and high cholesterol can be considered a double whammy on your health. If you have a thyroid disorder, it is important to look over any cholesterol concerns as well and pay attention to the information listed here. Although there are many negative side effects of hypothyroidism, high cholesterol does not have to be one of them. Follow these simple steps and live a healthier life!
