Cholesterol Effect on the Kidneys

Cholesterol is naturally produced by your liver, but you also get cholesterol from your diet. Cholesterol is necessary for proper body function, but it must be controlled to maintain good health.

Definition

• Cholesterol is fat that circulates in the blood. Too much cholesterol has negative health effects because it clogs arteries and other blood vessels.

Effects

• High total cholesterol levels and high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can clog tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney dysfunction.

The Heart

• High cholesterol is a major contributor to a number of heart disease-related illnesses. The kidneys receive about 20 percent of the blood pumped by the heart. When the heart is adversely affected, so too are the kidneys.

Control

• Control your cholesterol to maintain proper renal function. Change your diet by cutting out high-fat items and eating more fruits and vegetables.

Testing and Levels

• Check your cholesterol at least once a year if you have chronic kidney disease. Your doctor may request tests more frequently depending on your condition. Optimal total cholesterol levels are less than 200 mg/dL, and borderline high levels are 200 to 239 mg/dL. Optimal LDL cholesterol levels are less than 100 mg/dL. Borderline high levels are between 130 and 159 mg/dL.