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The Effects of Low Cholesterol

We hear so much about the dangers of high cholesterol, but not a whole lot gets said about the effects of low cholesterol on the body. Is it possible to have a cholesterol deficiency?

  1. Misconceptions

    • Not all cholesterol is bad cholesterol. So called "good cholesterols" actually help to protect the body against some of the very diseases "bad cholesterols" can cause.

    Types of Cholesterol

    • The bad cholesterol is known as LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein). It tends to build up plaque along your artery walls as it circulates through your body, narrowing your artery passageways which can put you at risk for heart disease or stroke. The good cholesterol is known as HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein).

    Function of HDLs

    • HDLs actually remove plaque from the artery walls caused by excess LDLs. HDLs carry cholesterol back to the liver for expulsion.

    Causes of Low HDL

    • Low levels of HDL may be a sign of liver disease, type 2 diabetes, hyperthyroidism, severe inflammatory disease, malnutrition or malabsorption. Cigarette smoking, obesity and physical inactivity can also lead to low HDL levels.

    Effects of Low HDL

    • A HDL of less than 40 mg/dL can put you at risk for heart disease. Studies have also linked low cholesterol levels to strokes, depression and premature births.

    Prevention / Solution

    • Treatment of low HDL levels depends on the cause, but it can sometimes be remedied by aerobic exercise, weight loss and smoking cessation. Niacin and fibrates are also sometimes prescribed to help manage this deficiency.

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