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Most people associate high cholesterol with heart attacks or strokes—but did you know it can also be a warning sign of kidney disease? If left untreated, high cholesterol can damage blood vessels, including those that supply your kidneys. Let’s explore how these conditions are connected, and how to lower your risk.
What Is High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty, wax-like substance made by the liver and found in every cell in your body. While it’s essential for building hormones, vitamin D, and healthy cells, too much of the wrong kind can harm your health.
There are two main types of cholesterol:
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Known as “good” cholesterol, it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream.
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Known as “bad” cholesterol, high levels of LDL can clog your arteries and lead to serious health issues.
When LDL cholesterol builds up in the blood, it forms plaque—a sticky substance that narrows arteries and slows blood flow. This is where kidney complications can begin.
What Is Kidney Disease?
Your kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood and help regulate essential hormones like renin (for blood pressure) and erythropoietin (for red blood cell production). When kidneys become damaged or lose function over time, it’s called chronic kidney disease (CKD) or renal failure.
Symptoms of Kidney Disease May Include:
- Fatigue
- Dry, itchy skin
- Swelling in hands, feet, or face
- Bloody or foamy urine
- High blood pressure
- Shortness of breath (in severe cases)
How High Cholesterol Can Lead to Kidney Disease
1. Damaged Blood Vessels
High levels of LDL cholesterol contribute to atherosclerosis—the narrowing and hardening of arteries. When this happens to the small blood vessels in your kidneys, it limits their ability to filter waste.
2. Elevated Blood Pressure
High cholesterol forces your heart to work harder, raising blood pressure. Over time, hypertension damages kidney tissue, making it harder for your kidneys to function properly.
3. Connection to Type 2 Diabetes
High cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes often go hand-in-hand. Both are caused or worsened by poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. Type 2 diabetes is the second-leading cause of chronic kidney disease.
How to Lower Your Cholesterol and Protect Your Kidneys
Taking control of your cholesterol levels is key to protecting your kidneys and preventing long-term damage.
Diet Tips:
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes
- Avoid processed foods and trans fats
- Choose healthy fats like those found in olive oil, avocados, and fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
- Reduce salt and alcohol intake
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Exercise Regularly:
- Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (walking, swimming, cycling)
- Exercise helps reduce LDL and boosts HDL, improving heart and kidney function
Medication (if needed):
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe statins or other cholesterol-lowering medications, especially if you have a family history of high cholesterol.
When to See a Doctor
If you have any of the following, talk to a doctor about your kidney and heart health:
- High cholesterol levels
- High blood pressure
- Family history of kidney disease or cardiovascular conditions
- Symptoms like fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination
Kidney & Cholesterol Care at BASS Medical Group
At BASS Medical Group, our specialists offer advanced testing and treatment plans to manage cholesterol levels and monitor kidney function. Whether you're managing high cholesterol, diabetes, or early signs of kidney disease, we’re here to help.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Don't wait for symptoms to worsen. Visit BASS Medical Group’s contact page to schedule a consultation with a primary care provider or specialist near you.
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