Though cholesterol is needed in the body for many reasons, too much of it may pose health risks. High cholesterol is commonly found in people with cardiac conditions such as high blood pressure and heart failure. Hydrochlorothiazide is one of the most commonly used medications to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It is a diuretic that has been in use for many years and is generally considered safe and effective but may have some side effects, including increased cholesterol levels. If you have a cardiac condition, your doctor may wish to monitor your cholesterol levels through blood tests before giving any medication.
About Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide is the generic medication found in brand-name prescription products such as Hydrodiuril and Esidrex and is available as a generic. Hydrochlorothiazide works as a diuretic to lower blood pressure by removing sodium from the body in the kidney filtration system. Sodium removal will be followed by removal of extra water and decrease blood volume, leading to lower blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide has a number of side effects, including dizziness, lowered potassium levels and lowered blood sugar. It may also increase cholesterol levels, particularly triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins, the "bad" cholesterol.
Cholesterol in the Body
Cholesterol is needed in the body to form cell membranes, synthesize hormones and provide lubrication for joints. However, there are several types of fats in the body, high density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides, all of which are needed in appropriate levels. HDL is considered to be a "good" cholesterol, may help combat the effects of triglycerides LDL, which can lead to cardiac problems and damage or block the blood vessels. A good diet and exercise program can help establish healthy levels of HDL, LDL and triglycerides.
Hydrochlorothiazide and Cholesterol Elevation
Hydrochlorithiazide and other thiazide-type diuretics may result in blood cholesterol elevation. Although the mechanism of increased cholesterol is not well-defined, LDL and triglycerides may be elevated by 5 to 15 percent in the initial period of taking the medication. Most of the time, cholesterol levels will return to normal after a period of taking the medication. However in those who already have high cholesterol levels, the increase may pose a risk. Cholesterol-binding medications such as cholestyramine may also decrease the effectiveness of hydrochlorothiazide. Talk to your doctor about all of your medical conditions and medicines that you may be taking.
Dangers of High Cholesterol
High levels of LDLs and triglycerides may lead to the development of plaques in the blood vessels. These plaques, known as atherosclerosis, may become large and plug important arteries and veins supplying blood to the heart and brain, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Plaques may occasionally break apart and increase the risk of not only heart attack and stroke but also pulmonary embolism, all of which may be fatal. It is important to have your blood cholesterol levels monitored by a physician.
References
- Drugs.com: Hydrochlorothiazide Monograph
- Daily Med: Esidrex Prescribing Information; 2006
- "Mayo Clinic Internal Medicine Concise Textbook"; Thomas Haberman, M.D., Amit Gosh, M.D.; 2008
