Hypercholesterolemia and Diet

While part of the circulating cholesterol originates from diet, and restricting cholesterol intake may reduce blood cholesterol levels, there are various other links between the dietary pattern and cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association compiles a list of the acceptable and unacceptable foods for those who are diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia.

Dietary changes can potentially be very strong: when a group of Tarahumara Indians from Mexico with no obesity or cholesterol problems were exposed to a Western diet, their risk profile worsened significantly, with cholesterol levels rising over thirty percent.

Carbohydrates

Evidence is accumulating that eating more carbohydrates - especially simpler, more refined carbohydrates - increases levels of triglycerides in the blood, lowers HDL, and may shift the LDL particle distribution pattern into unhealthy atherogenic patterns.

Trans fats

An increasing number of researchers are suggesting that a major dietary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases is trans fatty acids, and in the US the FDA has revised food labeling requirements to include listing trans fat quantities.

Further Reading

• What is Hypercholesterolemia?
• Hypercholesterolemia Diagnosis
• Hypercholesterolemia Treatment
• Hypercholesterolemia Screening

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