Cholesterol is the most important lipid, or fat, in the body. It is an integral component of cell membranes. All steroid hormones in the body are made from cholesterol including estrogen and testosterone. Cholesterol can be used by our bodies as an energy source. Increasing your intake of fats or certain medications can cause high cholesterol.
Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones that are used in treating diseases caused by overactive immune system and their actions, suppress the immune system. All glucocorticoids cause an increased production of glucose in the body by stimulating a process called gluconeogenesis, or the formation of glucose from lipids and proteins. Glucocorticoids indirectly cause the release of lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides from fat cells and into the blood.
Thiazide Diuretics
Thiazides are a class of diuretics that treat high blood pressure and edema caused by diseases of the liver, heart and kidney. Thiazide increases urine production by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium in the kidney; water follows sodium, therefore, increasing urine volume. Thiazide use is commonly associated with hypercholesterolemia, or elevated blood cholesterol. Those with elevated cholesterol should avoid using thiazide.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are uses to treat hypertension, rapid heart rate and congestive heart failure. Beta blockers act by inhibiting pacemaker cells in the heart, thereby, slowing the heart rate and decreasing cardiac contractility, or weakening of heart contractions. Beta blockers are commonly associated with elevations in cholesterol and triglycerides; they should be used with caution or avoided by patients with pancreatitis.
Estrogen Replacement
Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen is sometimes prescribed to post-menopausal women as a management for menopause; menopause is caused by failure of the ovaries to produce estrogen. Estrogen use is associated with elevations in lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides. Patients should avoid estrogen use when lipid control is an issue.
