Fats, or lipids, are necessary for the metabolic processes in your body, but too much can put you at risk for coronary heart disease. Lipid levels are determined by the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. An increase in your blood cholesterol test levels can be caused by a diet high in cholesterol and saturated fats; disease processes, such as kidney disease, diabetes and hypothyroidism; obesity; heredity; and some medications.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are prescribed to reduce inflammation in conditions such as asthma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, eczema, skin rashes, multiple sclerosis, some types of cancer and Addison's disease. Corticosteroids may be taken by mouth, injected, inhaled or applied directly to the skin. Oral corticosteroids include methylprednisolone, prednisone and prednisolone. Side effects from the long-term use of corticosteroids include weight gain, brittle bones and elevated blood cholesterol levels.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are a class of drug that reduce your blood pressure by blocking the effect of adrenaline and slowing the heart rate. Generic beta blockers include atenolol, bisopropolol, metoprolol, nadolol, propanolol, acebutolol and nebivolol. Some beta blockers affect mostly the heart, while others also affect your blood vessels. Side effects include feeling tired, cold extremities and an increase in the cholesterol blood level.
Diuretics
Many conditions, such as liver disease, congestive heart failure and kidney disease, can cause a buildup of fluid in the body. Diuretics are types of medications that help increase urine output to remove the excess fluid. Osmotic diuretics, such as mannitol, prevent the reabsorption of water in the kidney. Other types include loop diuretics, such as furosemide and bumetanide; potassium-sparing diuretics, such as triamterene and amiloride, which prevent potassium loss; and thiazide diuretics, such as chlorothiazide and hydrochlorothiazide.
Cautions to consider before starting diuretics include people with diabetes, in which the blood sugar level may increase, and people with any type of heart disease, in which an increase in cholesterol level may occur. Make sure your doctor knows all the medications you take and any health conditions that you may have.
Birth Control and Hormone Replacement
The type of birth control pill or hormone replacement you take determines the effect on your total cholesterol levels. Estrogen increases high-density lipoproteins, which are the good form of cholesterol, lowers low-density lipoproteins, which are the bad form of cholesterol, and causes an increase in the total level of cholesterol. Progestin offsets the positive effects of the estrogen on cholesterol blood levels.
