Dr Hill: That is excellent news, Michelle! High cholesterol and high blood pressure are common conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. They can occur separately or together, but as you suspected, there is a connection. It’s possible that many of the lifestyle changes that helped you to lower your cholesterol may have helped lower your blood pressure, too. Let’s take a look at these two conditions and how they’re connected.
High cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs to build cell walls. Cholesterol is found in animal products such as meat, dairy products, eggs, baked goods and fried foods.
Cholesterol is carried in the blood. Too much cholesterol can cause a plaque buildup inside the body’s blood vessels. This can narrow arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through your body.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure affects the body’s arteries. It occurs when the blood’s force against the artery wall is too high, and it means that the heart is working harder to pump blood throughout the body.
High blood pressure is caused by two things: how much blood the heart needs to pump, and how difficult it is for the blood to flow through the blood vessels. If you have arteries that have been narrowed — due to high cholesterol, for example — it is harder for your heart to pump blood, which can increase your blood pressure.
Treatment and prevention
The only way to know if you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure is by getting your levels checked annually. Both conditions can be caused by genetics or other health issues, but most frequently they are caused by lifestyle choices.
Sometimes treatment involves medications, but more commonly, treatment — and prevention — include adjustments to your diet and physical activity. Eating a healthy diet low in saturated fats and sodium, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and quitting smoking are all part of prevention and treatment.
