Your thyroid gland affects your cholesterol levels. An underactive thyroid can cause elevations in your low-density lipoprotein -- LDL or "bad" cholesterol. An overactive thyroid can lead to a sharp drop in your triglycerides, a type of fat in your bloodstream. Either condition, if left untreated, puts you at risk of heart trouble.
Hypothyroidism and Cholesterol Levels
Hypothyroidism, underactive thyroid, often causes weight gain. Excess weight leads, in turn, to a rise in your cholesterol levels. A cholesterol blood test includes four results: triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein -- HDL or "good" cholesterol -- and total cholesterol. Healthy triglycerides measure 150 mg/dl -- milligrams per deciliter of blood -- or less. You should keep LDL cholesterol below 100 mg/dl, or below 70 mg/dl if you face a high risk of heart disease. Aim to keep your heart-friendly HDL cholesterol above 60 mg/dl and your total cholesterol below 200 mg/dl.
Hyperthyroidism and Triglycerides
Hypothyroidism means your thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism, overactive thyroid, means your thyroid produces too much. Symptoms include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, sweating and irritability. Your thyroid helps control your metabolism. An overactive thyroid puts your metabolism in overdrive, and you burn up fat, including triglycerides in your bloodstream. Although low cholesterol protects you against heart attacks, an overactive thyroid can cause different heart problems, including congestive heart failure and rhythm disorders.
Treatment
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism respond to treatment. You can take synthetic thyroid hormones in pill form to correct hypothyroidism. When your thyroid levels return to healthy levels, you will lose weight and your cholesterol levels will drop. Treatment for hyperthyroidism includes anti-thyroid medication, radioactive iodine and surgery. Treatment for hyperthyroidism may lead to hypothyroidism, and you may need to take synthetic thyroid hormones. When your overactive thyroid responds to treatment, you will regain weight and lower your risk of heart disease.
Diet
Once your thyroid levels improve, follow a healthy diet to protect your heart. Control your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, sugar and alcohol. Include healthy fiber in your diet such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds. Include potassium from sources such as bananas, sweet potatoes, artichokes and dates. Exercise regularly. Aim to include about 30 minutes of moderate exercise -- brisk walking, swimming or bike riding, for example -- in your daily routine.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Hypothyroidism; June 12 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Hyperthyroidism; Dec. 4 2010
- Medline Plus; Triglyceride Level; May 23 2010
- MayoClinic.com; High Cholesterol; June 24 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Healthy Diet: End the Guesswork With These Nutrition Guidelines; February 2011
- American Heart Association; Diet, Lifestyle Changes Can Significantly Reduce Triglyceride; April 18 2011
