The fatigue you're feeling isn't likely the result of low HDL, otherwise known as high-density lipoprotein. Lipid abnormalities have no symptoms. The only way to know if you have low HDL is through a blood test. You're not going to feel any differently when you have abnormally low levels of HDL--or high levels of low-density lipoproteins, for that matter. Instead, the lack of energy is probably linked to lifestyle choices that are affecting both HDL and your energy level. It could also be the result of a cholesterol medication used to improve your lipids.
Diet
Feeling fatigued or tired is often related to lifestyle factors. Besides lack of sleep, an unhealthy eating habit is probably one of the more common reasons. An unbalanced diet not only can lead to nutritional deficiencies that zap your energy, but also can take a toll on high-density lipoproteins. Whole grains, such as whole wheat, oatmeal, oat bran and barley, are complex carbohydrates that can help boost energy and improve HDL levels. Along with increasing your intake of whole grains, try to get more fruits and vegetables in your diet to round out your meal plan.
Inactivity
Inactivity could also be contributing to your lack of energy and low HDL. Regular physical activity is known to improve circulation, mood and heart function, which can all boost your energy level. The reverse is often true when you don't get enough exercise. But increasing your level of physical activity doesn't just keep you from feeling fatigued; it also improves cholesterol levels. In fact, you can improve HDL levels by roughly 5 percent after just two months of regular exercise, notes MayoClinic.com. Aim for 30 minutes of moderately intense cardio most days of the week.
Excess Weight
Another lifestyle factor that could be contributing to both fatigue and low HDL is your weight, particularly when any excess leads to obesity. A study conducted by the Sleep Research and Treatment Center of the Department of Psychiatry at Penn State College of Medicine notes that obese patients tend to experience more fatigue during the day than non-obese individuals. At the same time, however, obesity is also known to contribute to low HDL. Actually, you can improve your HDL levels by 1mg/dL for every 6 lbs. you lose.
Medications
While the most significant impact on HDL is your lifestyle, some doctors prescribe medications to improve this form of cholesterol. Niacin and fibrates are two of the most common, but statins have also shown promise in increasing high-density lipoproteins. However, a study conducted by the University of California, San Diego, found that pravastatin and simvastatin--both of which are statins--caused a reduction in energy levels. Simvastatin also reduced people's activity levels. On average, participants taking the statins reported a 5 percent lower energy level than those on the placebo. The cause is linked to a disruption in the way your body produces energy, causing you to feel more fatigued than normal. Although pravastatin and simvastatin were the only two statins tested, researchers believe that other statins, such as atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin and rosuvastatin, can have the same effect on the body.
References
- MayoClinic.com; High cholesterol; June 2011
- MayoClinic.com; HDL cholesterol: How to boost your 'good' cholesterol; June 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Fatigue; August 2010
- "U.S. News and World Report"; Cholesterol Drugs Linked to Increased Fatigue; Randy Dotinga; March 2009
- "European Heart Journal"; Are the Effects of Statins on HDL-cholesterol Clinically Relevant?; M.F. Chapman; 2004
- MedlinePlus; Fatigue; February 2010
