In some cases, certain health conditions share a common link. The same holds true for high LDL cholesterol and low blood pressure, or hypotension. There are several ties between the two, the most prominent being medication and heart attacks. The cause of one is the effect and treatment of the other. Understanding these links and how to treat them can have a positive impact on both conditions.
LDL Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol is known as your bad cholesterol. When high, this cholesterol type is the cause of the fatty deposits along the walls of your arteries, a substance known as plaque. The plaque blocks blood flow to your heart, causing chest pain and heart attack. Cleveland Clinic stresses the importance of low LDL levels in both men and women, as elevated levels are a major cause of heart disease. Dietary and lifestyle changes are generally the first treatment, however, cholesterol-lowering medications may be necessary at some point. The most common drugs for high LDL are statins, all of which have several side effects.
Low Blood Pressure
For most people, low blood pressure is not a cause for concern unless symptoms such as dizziness, an inability to concentrate, blurred vision, nausea, fatigue or rapid, shallow breathing are present. An optimal blood pressure is 120/80, but this varies for everyone. If your pressure normally runs a bit low, and is lower than usual with accompanying symptoms, you may have an underlying cause that requires medical attention. Examples include prolonged bed rest, under-active thyroid, low blood sugar, severe infection, certain medications and heart problems such as heart attack. A heart attack due to high LDL can lower your blood pressure.
Statin Side Effects
Statins have a potentially serious, but rare, side effect known as statin myopathy. This is severe muscle pain and weakness that can lead to a condition known as rhabdomyolysis which causes the cells of the muscles to break down. Heart and blood pressure medications such as diltiazem and verapamil can increase your risk of this statin side effect.
Simcor
Simcor is a pharmaceutical combination of simvastatin and niacin, another cholesterol lowering medication. This medication serves to lower LDL and triglycerides simultaneously, while increasing high-density lipoprotein, HDL, or good cholesterol. The risk of statin myopathy exists with this medication as well, and low blood pressure can increase this risk.
Considerations
Heart attacks are preventable if you take the necessary steps to manage and control your cholesterol levels. Visit your doctor regularly, and undergo cholesterol testing as he deems necessary. Create a diet based on whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean meats, such as fish and poultry. Limit your red meat consumption to two or three times per week. Exercise daily for 30 minutes, with your ultimate goal being 45 to 60 minutes each day. Brisk walking, biking, swimming and hiking are all good choices. You can avoid medication complications by being honest with your doctor. If you have low blood pressure, or take medications to lower your blood pressure, your doctor may choose to place you on a different cholesterol-lowering drug.
