We will discuss in this blog the disease caused due to low cholesterol levels (Hypolipidemia) in detail.
Hypolipidemia refers to a low level of cholesterol in the blood and it may be due to bad health practices like Smoking, drinking and poor lifestyle all may lead to a low level of cholesterol in our body potential causes of low level of cholesterol in the body is due to thyroid problems or chronic inflammation and malnourishment can also lead to Hypolipidemia.
Types of Lipoprotein Present in Our Body
Different types of lipoprotein are present and have different roles these are:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): It is known as bad cholesterol because it can clog your arteries and blood vessels which increases the chances of heart attack and stroke.
- Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL): It is also called as bad cholesterol because it carries triglycerides and its excess level can add to artery plaque.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL): also known as good cholesterol because it Lowers the cholesterol level by bringing it back to your liver and clears the way for your blood to get through your blood vessels a number lower than 40 mg/dL is considered a good HDL level.
Symptoms Associated With Low Cholesterol Level
Symptoms are observed only when there is an abnormally low level of cholesterol or due to any underlying disease
Some potential symptoms of low cholesterol levels are
- fatty stool
- Anxiety and depression
- Change in vision
- hormonal imbalances
- weight loss
- intellectual disabilities in children
Causes of Low Cholesterol Level
Low cholesterol in the body can be due to many reasons lipoproteins like LDL also known as bad cholesterol it has an important role in our body to maintain normal cholesterol levels reduction in their level below 50 mg/dl can lead to many health conditions these are
- Hyperthyroidism
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Chronic infections
- Blood cancers
- Malnourishment due to poor nutrition absorption
Genetic Condition Responsible for Low LDL Cholesterol
Three Genetic conditions are known to reduce the LDL cholesterol level in blood these are:
- Hypobetalipoproteinemia: Genetic condition that causes the body to metabolize LDL very quickly. Some people with this disorder have no detectable levels of LDL and need treatment.
- Chylomicron retention disease: congenital disease can cause nutritional malabsorption, failure to thrive, and fatty stools. It is also known as Anderson’s disease.
- Abetalipoproteinemia: also known as Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome, a person with this condition is unable to absorb fat from their diet. Babies with this congenital disease show symptoms and may have a very low weight, intellectual disabilities, and failure to thrive.
Impact of Low-Level cholesterol
- People with low cholesterol levels in the blood usually have high HDL levels that can lead to heart disease and increase the chances of heart attack and stroke.
- Cholesterol helps the body to make Vitamin D, steroid hormones, cortisol and sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone its low level can affect the synthesis of these chemicals required for normal body functioning.
- Cholesterol also helps in the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K and also helps in the biosynthesis of cell membranes.
Diagnosis and Test
Cholesterol levels less than 120mg/dl and LDL cholesterol less than 50 mg/dl may lead to Hypolipidemia
Blood test includes the lipid panel test that checks the different lipoproteins such as HDL, LDL and total cholesterol in blood here is the range of the cholesterol given for each type in tabulated form below:
Types of cholesterol |
Normal level(Bio reference) |
Total cholesterol |
Less than 200 mg/dL |
Bad(LDL) cholesterol |
Less than 100 mg/dL |
Good(HDL) Cholesterol |
At least 60 mg/dL |
Triglycerides |
Less than 150 mg/dL |
Cholesterol Level Normal Range
The normal range of different types of cholesterol levels varies depending on the age, gender and health condition of a person here is the list of different lipoproteins given in the tabulated form below:
Cholesterol Level
Total Cholesterol |
Normal range |
Less than 200 mg/dL |
Best |
200 mg/dL to 239 mg/dL |
Borderline high |
240 mg/dL and higher |
high |
HDL level
HDL Level |
Milligrams per deciliter(mg/dl) |
High level |
<60 (mg/dL) or more |
Normal level |
40 to 60 (mg/dL) |
Low level |
>40 (mg/dL) |
Triglycerides level
Triglycerides level |
Milligrams per deciliter(mg/dl) |
Below 150 |
Normal |
150 - 199 |
Borderline high |
200 - 499 |
high |
<500 |
Very high |
Test available to diagnose the High cholesterol level
- hs-CRP test(High sensitivity C-reactive protein)
- Lipoprotein (a)
- Apolipoprotein B
- Coronary calcium scan
Management and Treatment of Hypolipidemia
How Are Low Cholesterol Levels in the Blood Treated?
Low Cholesterol levels in the blood can be managed through certain lifestyle changes these are:
- (Do Regular exercise): Do regular exercise as it helps in increasing HDL, improves metabolism and reduces the amount of bad cholesterol. Regularly do exercises like brisk walking, aerobic exercise or swimming which help keep your heart healthy and improve overall health.
- (Weight Management): Keep yourself active and avoid a sedentary lifestyle, eat low low-calorie diet and high-protein diet which prevents HDL from increasing. And also helps in losing weight. It also increases the amount of good cholesterol and has a positive effect on your heart health, so include such foods in your diet that help in losing weight.
- Eat a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are present in chia seeds, flax seeds, walnuts and fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. They prevent plaque build-up, help improve blood vessels and reduce bad cholesterol levels, so be sure to include them in your diet as omega-3 fatty acids improve your heart health and prevent stroke and heart attacks.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption: Avoid bad habits like smoking, drinking alcohol and consuming tobacco as it increases the level of bad cholesterol in your body and reduces HDL.
- In certain conditions, your doctor may ask you to take Vitamin E supplements and other fat-soluble vitamins to improve cholesterol levels.
Choose the Top Diagnostic Centre in Delhi
Ganesh Diagnostic is one of the most reputed and reputed diagnostic centres located in Delhi which provides a 24*7*365-day facility, all the test results here are 100% accurate so that patients get the best and right treatment to recover easily. Avail of the online appointment opportunity now.
We also provide free blood sample collection and cholesterol tests at home. Get tested at the best diagnostic centre with Ganesh Diagnostic.
Summary
Low HDL cholesterol levels in the blood can be a serious concern if not treated early it may be due to any genetic condition or any other health-related condition that requires immediate medical attention low cholesterol levels can be maintained through lifestyle modifications but if you have signs and symptoms associated with this condition immediately talk with your doctor and get treated.
FAQs
What if my LDL cholesterol level is low?
Low LDL levels can lead to malnutrition due to vitamin deficiency and may increase the risk of cancer and Haemorrhagic stroke.
What is the normal range of good cholesterol (LDL) levels?
A normal range of 40 to 50 mg/dL in men and 50 to 60 mg/dL in women is considered a good LDL level.
What happens if my HDL level is low?
Low levels of HDL can be caused by poor lifestyle, overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol.
What are the risks associated with low HDL levels?
People with low HDL have a higher risk of heart diseases such as heart attack and stroke due to increased cholesterol levels.