The media frequently report the association between high cholesterol and heart disease, but you may be surprised to discover that high cholesterol is also a risk factor for certain types of liver disease. Both high cholesterol levels and liver disease may be present without causing any symptoms, and blood tests may be the only telltale sign. If you have high cholesterol, you may want to ask your doctor about ways to reduce your cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol and Liver Disease
High cholesterol is one of the factors linked to an increased risk of a type of liver disease called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. High cholesterol is defined as a total cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL or higher in a cholesterol blood test, according to the National Cholesterol Education Program. High cholesterol does not necessarily cause fatty liver disease, it is merely one of the risk factors that tends to associate with fatty liver disease. Other risk factors include obesity, Type 2 diabetes, malnutrition and gastric bypass surgery.
Fatty Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a type of liver disease characterized by the accumulation of fat inside liver cells. Low levels of fat accumulation are not harmful, but large deposits of fat can lead to inflammation and possible scarring of the liver, a condition known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Left untreated, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis can cause severe damage and scarring of the liver. When a large portion of normal liver cells has been replaced by scar tissue, the condition is called cirrhosis, explains the American College of Gastroenterology.
Metabolic Syndrome
Both high cholesterol levels and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are commonly associated with a condition called metabolic syndrome, a broadly defined condition that includes high blood fats like triglycerides and cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, the American College of Gastroenterology explains. People with metabolic syndrome may have all or a few of these conditions, and may or may not display serious symptoms.
Ways to Lower Cholesterol
If you have high cholesterol, there are several steps you can take to lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of developing liver disease. Lifestyle changes are often the first recommended step, including eating a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet; exercising regularly; and losing weight. Additionally, eating certain foods can help lower your cholesterol levels, including oatmeal, oat bran, nuts and fish, according to MayoClinic.com.
References
- The American College of Gastroenterology: Fatty Liver Disease; Ariel E. Feldstein and Marsha H. Kay
- MayoClinic.com: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease - Risk Factors; February 2011
- National Cholesterol Education Program: High Blood Cholesterol: What You Need to Know
- MayoClinic.com: Cholesterol: Top 5 Foods to Lower Your Numbers; May 2010
