High cholesterol may trigger inflammation and vice versa. Certain lifestyle measures, such as dietary changes, may help reduce and prevent both high cholesterol and inflammation.

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is important to health. However, high levels of “bad” cholesterol can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Although inflammation is a natural bodily response to tissue damage, chronic levels of inflammation can cause various health issues, such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

A man with high cholesterol preparing a breakfast with fruits to reduce inflammation.-1Share on Pinterest
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Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that exists throughout the body. It plays a vital role in building new cells and making vitamins and hormones.

When people use the term “high cholesterol” they are usually referring to high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which some people refer to as “bad” cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can cause a buildup of plaques (fatty deposits) in the arteries. Doctors call this buildup atherosclerosis.

According to a 2018 review, atherosclerosis causes chronic inflammation of the arteries, which can lead to cardiovascular issues, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Inflammation is the immune system’s response to damage from injury, infection, or disease. Inflammation dilates blood vessels in the affected area, allowing immune cells to access and eliminate the irritant and heal the damaged tissue.

However, the body’s immune system sometimes goes into overdrive, making the inflammation become chronic. This can damage the body’s tissues and trigger disease.

According to a 2018 review, chronic inflammation can also change how the body metabolizes lipids, decreasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and increasing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

According to the review, inflammation drives the change in cholesterol levels rather than high cholesterol levels driving the inflammation.

Below are some general tips for reducing inflammation and high cholesterol.

Reducing inflammation

Chronic inflammation can cause chronic inflammatory conditions, such as:

A person with a chronic inflammatory condition may need medications to suppress their immune system and reduce inflammation. The type of medication a doctor recommends will depend largely on the type of inflammatory condition a person has.

According to a 2024 review, a Mediterranean diet can also help lower inflammation levels in the body and reduce the risk of chronic inflammatory conditions and cardiovascular disease.

Reducing and preventing high cholesterol

To lower LDL cholesterol, doctors may recommend a heart-healthy diet, such as the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes diet or the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.

Both these diets aim to lower LDL cholesterol by:

  • limiting saturated fats from certain meats, dairy products, and desserts
  • limiting salt intake
  • incorporating carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables rather than sugary foods
  • incorporating a variety of nuts

A doctor may also prescribe one of the following medications to help lower high blood cholesterol:

  • Statins: Statins help reduce the amount of cholesterol the liver makes.
  • Bile acid sequestrants (BASs): These medications prevent the body from absorbing bile acids, which are acids that help break down fats and oils. Doctors may prescribe BASs instead of, or as well as, statins.
  • PCSK9 inhibitors: These injectable medications block the PCSK9 protein that destroys the liver cells that absorb LDL cholesterol. By blocking the protein, these inhibitors can reduce LDL cholesterol levels.
  • Familial hypercholesterolemia medications: These medications help treat an inherited condition called familial hypercholesterolemia, which impairs the liver’s ability to remove excess LDL cholesterol.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute lists various lifestyle changes that may help reduce or prevent high cholesterol. The same lifestyle changes may help reduce or prevent inflammation.

These changes include:

A person should speak with a doctor if they have concerns about their cholesterol levels, especially if they have a history of high cholesterol or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

People should also consult a doctor about symptoms of chronic inflammation, such as:

A doctor may recommend blood tests to evaluate blood cholesterol levels or levels of inflammatory markers in the blood.

Does an anti-inflammatory diet lower cholesterol?

According to the Arthritis Foundation, following an anti-inflammatory diet may help reduce widespread inflammation in the body.

This may help lower LDL cholesterol because chronic inflammation can change how the body metabolizes lipids, increasing LDL cholesterol

How does the body feel when your cholesterol is too high?

High blood cholesterol does not usually cause any symptoms. People may only learn they have high cholesterol after routine blood tests.

However, a person with very high cholesterol levels may have fatty bumps on their skin called xanthomas. Xanthomas most often appear on the elbows, knees, hands, ankles, or buttocks.

A person may also have a grayish-white ring around the cornea of their eye, called a corneal arcus.

Can high cholesterol cause joint pain and inflammation?

A 2021 study found that high cholesterol levels can cause cholesterol to accumulate inside immune cells, which can trigger an immune response involving widespread inflammation. This can increase the body’s sensitivity to joint pain from osteoarthritis.

However, further research is necessary.

Cholesterol management resources

Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on cholesterol.

High cholesterol may trigger inflammation and vice versa. Both high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and chronic inflammation can also increase the risk of health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Dietary changes may help reduce cholesterol levels and inflammation. Other factors that can help reduce or prevent these issues include exercising regularly, maintaining a moderate weight, and getting enough sleep.

Some people may require medications to help bring down their cholesterol or inflammation. Anyone with concerns about their cholesterol levels or symptoms of chronic inflammation should speak with a doctor.