Two terms that frequently surface in medical discussions are “cholesterol” and “metabolic syndrome.” While each is significant on its own, their connection is a more complex issue.
There are people worldwide who suffer from both these medical conditions, often without realizing the impending risks.
Although there is a lot of misunderstanding around these two situations, we can all make more informed decisions about health and lifestyle choices by demystifying how they interact with each other.
This blog post aims to delve into the intricate relationship between the two ailments, shedding light on how these interconnect.
Understanding cholesterol and its two types
Cholesterol is often looked at negatively – as something bad for our health. But it is actually an essential substance for our bodies.
It is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver and also found in certain foods. It’s vital for forming cell membranes and synthesizing vitamin D and other substances that help digest foods.
The complexity lies in the fact that there are two types of cholesterol, and a delicate balance between them is needed for optimal health.
According to Ami Bhatt, MD, FACC, writing in Harvard Health Publishing, the two main types of cholesterol are Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL).
- LDL, commonly known as “bad cholesterol,” can build up in the walls of your arteries, making them hard and narrow. This increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- On the other hand, HDL, known as “good cholesterol,” helps remove the bad cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
A quick overview of metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, significantly increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
These conditions include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
According to Paul L. Huang, writing in Disease Models and Mechanisms, the presence of any three of these risk factors below typically leads toward a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome:
- Waist Circumference: A criterion for metabolic syndrome diagnosis is waist circumference greater than 40 inches (102 cm) in men and greater than 35 inches (88 cm) in women.
- Triglycerides: Levels at or above 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are considered high and contribute to the diagnosis.
- HDL Cholesterol: Low HDL cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease. In metabolic syndrome, this is defined as less than 40 mg/dL in men and less than 50 mg/dL in women.
- Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a significant risk factor. A blood pressure of 130/85 mm Hg or higher qualifies as a component of metabolic syndrome.
- Fasting Blood Sugar: Levels of 100 mg/dL or higher indicate insulin resistance, a hallmark of metabolic syndrome.
One other important fact: people with a combination of chronic ailments such as obesity, cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension – along with other hereditary factors – must understand that these can all have a multiplicative impact on the heart. According to Healthline, routine medical checkups and reviews to keep these ailments under control are not just desirable; they are imperative.
Link between cholesterol and metabolic syndrome
According to Lars Berglund et al., writing in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, both these health issues influence and exacerbate each other.
How the two medical challenges intertwine
- Contribution to arterial plaque formation: High LDL cholesterol levels, usually present in people with metabolic syndrome, contribute to forming arterial plaques. This plaque buildup is a primary factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases.
- Indication of poor metabolic health: Abnormal cholesterol levels, particularly high LDL and low HDL, are critical indicators of poor metabolic health. They often occur alongside other components of metabolic syndrome, such as insulin resistance and high blood pressure, creating a compounded risk for heart disease and diabetes.
How these health ailments exacerbate each other
- Impact of metabolic syndrome on cholesterol levels: Metabolic syndrome can exacerbate cholesterol problems. The insulin resistance often seen in metabolic syndrome leads to an increase in LDL and a decrease in HDL cholesterol. The abnormal amount of lipids (fats) in the blood further worsens the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Cholesterol’s influence on metabolic syndrome: Increased levels of LDL cholesterol can accelerate the development of insulin resistance and inflammation, both of which impact metabolic syndrome. Moreover, low HDL cholesterol levels fail to remove the bad cholesterol in the system adequately. The body thus gets less protection against atherosclerosis, a condition where there is a buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances on the artery walls.
The additional effects of lifestyle and genetics
According to Sok Kuan Wong et al., writing in Biomedicines, when these two health anomalies interplay with lifestyle and genetics, managing these health issues becomes quite difficult.
Lifestyle choices and their impact on the situation
- Diet: Dietary habits profoundly impact both cholesterol levels and the risk of metabolic syndrome. Diets high in saturated and trans fats can increase LDL (harmful) cholesterol levels and contribute to obesity, a key component of metabolic syndrome. Conversely, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce metabolic syndrome risk.
- Physical activity: Regular physical activity helps lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol. It also aids in weight management, improves insulin sensitivity, and reduces blood pressure – all critical in preventing and managing metabolic syndrome.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption: Smoking has been shown to lower HDL cholesterol and exacerbate the harmful effects of LDL cholesterol. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain, increased blood pressure, and disturbed lipid profiles, all contributing factors to metabolic syndrome.
The role of genetics in impacting the situation
- Genetics and high cholesterol: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to high cholesterol, whereby high LDL cholesterol levels are passed down through families. This genetic factor can significantly increase the risk of heart disease if not managed effectively.
- Genetics and metabolic syndrome: Genetics also plays a role in developing metabolic syndrome. Specific genes can increase susceptibility to obesity or create insulin resistance (all components of metabolic syndrome). Family history often strongly predicts one’s risk of developing this condition.
The five-fold management and prevention plan
Doctors usually advise patients to follow a plan like the one below:
- Follow healthy eating habits – consume more fruits, vegetables, fiber-rich foods, complex carbohydrates, proteins, and less trans fats.
- Engage in regular exercise – it helps lower LDL cholesterol, raise HDL cholesterol, and aids in weight loss.
- Maintain a healthy weight – even a modest weight loss of 5% to 10% of total body weight can significantly help. Focus especially on bringing down waist circumference.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol – it can help overall health beyond just the presence of the immediate health disturbances.
- Take prescribed medications duly – for metabolic syndrome, the different components may need an appropriate mix of medication. For cholesterol management, doctors may prescribe statins.
In summary
Learn to differentiate between these two terminologies: cholesterol and metabolic syndrome. Recognize cholesterol’s essential functions and its potential risks. Know the cluster of conditions involved in metabolic syndrome. Knowledge empowers you to make informed health decisions.
It is always important to follow sound medical advice tailored to your specific health profile. And remember to be regular with your medical checkups – because it all impacts the heart. Stay heart-healthy.
References
- Bhatt, Ami, MD, FACC. Harvard Health Publishing. “Cholesterol: Understanding HDL vs. LDL.” Accessed: November 25, 2023. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/understanding-cholesterol-hdl-vs-ldl-2018041213608
- Huang, Paul L. Disease Models and Mechanisms. “A comprehensive definition for metabolic syndrome.” Accessed: November 25, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2675814/
- Healthline. “How Often Should You See Your Doctor for a Checkup?” Accessed: November 25, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-often-should-you-get-routine-checkups-at-the-doctor
- Berglund, Lars et al. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. “Cholesterol Absorption and the Metabolic Syndrome.” Accessed: November 25, 2023. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.ATV.0000087145.71160.15
- Wong, Sok Kuan, et al. Biomedicines. “Genetics of Cholesterol-Related Genes in Metabolic Syndrome: A Review of Current Evidence.” Accessed: November 25, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9775320/
