Cholesterol, a type of lipid (fat) present in all body cells, plays a vital role in physiological functions. The body needs a certain amount of cholesterol to produce cell membranes, vitamin D, and many other essential substances. Doctor Dinh Vu Phuong Thao, Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, explains that excessively high blood cholesterol can lead to health problems, especially cardiovascular diseases. A person is diagnosed with high cholesterol when the level is ≥ 200 mg/dL. A healthy cholesterol level is below 200 mg/dL.

Many people mistakenly believe that only a diet high in bad fats contributes to high cholesterol. However, Doctor Thao points out that several factors related to preferences, habits, and lifestyle can also elevate cholesterol levels. If left unaddressed, the condition can progress silently, causing complications such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, carotid artery stenosis, heart attack, and stroke.

Drinking too much coffee

Moderate coffee consumption generally doesn't increase cholesterol and may even reduce the risk of heart disease. However, excessive coffee intake or combining it with unhealthy ingredients can raise cholesterol levels. Coffee contains natural compounds called diterpenes, which can increase LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides when consumed regularly in large quantities.

Brewing methods that use paper filters, such as paper-filtered coffee or drip coffee makers, typically remove most diterpenes. Filtered coffee has less impact on cholesterol levels. Conversely, overconsumption of unfiltered coffee like milk coffee, salted coffee, or coffee with heavy cream can increase LDL-cholesterol by an average of 10-14 mg/dL.

Prolonged stress

Stress causes fatigue, sleep deprivation, and silently harms cardiovascular health. Psychological stress can increase LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol. Doctor Thao explains that during stress, the adrenal glands release cortisol and adrenaline to prepare the body for dealing with pressure. These two hormones signal the liver to release glucose and fatty acids into the bloodstream, increasing triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels while decreasing good cholesterol (HDL-c), leading to blood lipid imbalance.

Prolonged stress affects cholesterol levels in the body. Image generated by AI

Smoking

When smoking, harmful substances like nicotine and carbon monoxide enter the bloodstream, damaging the lining of blood vessels and stimulating the liver to produce more LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, while reducing HDL-cholesterol levels. Smoking also disrupts insulin regulation and impairs fat metabolism, leading to lipid disorders.

Certain medications

Doctor Thao notes that diuretics, SGLT2 inhibitors, anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, antivirals, and growth hormones are necessary for treating various conditions. However, in some cases, they can increase blood cholesterol levels by altering lipid metabolism. Antipsychotic medications can also raise cholesterol by promoting weight gain.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a 30-40% increase in blood cholesterol is normal to support fetal development. Cholesterol plays a crucial role in both the mother's and baby's bodies. High cholesterol levels during pregnancy are linked to increased concentrations of estrogen, progesterone, and placental lactogen. Excessive cholesterol can lead to problems like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and heart failure. If the mother has a history of heart disease or is at high risk, doctors will recommend testing and treatment.

Rapid weight loss

Another potential cause of increased cholesterol is rapid weight loss, which is related to changes in metabolism. People who follow the ketogenic diet for rapid weight loss are also at risk of a sudden spike in cholesterol levels. Consulting a nutritionist is recommended for safe weight loss.

Thu Ha