Thyroid problems or Hypothyroidism can lead to high cholesterol levels. More than 10 million Americans who suffer from high cholesterol levels, may not be aware of the fact that their elevated cholesterol is not triggered by wrong diet, stress or lack of exercise, but because of having untreated and undiagnosed Hypothyroidism.

Although high cholesterol diet and lack of exercise are still considered the major triggers for high cholesterol contributing to the ever-growing risk for heart diseases among 98 million Americans, for some people the cause of this dangerous condition comes from a totally different angle: undertreated thyroid problems. It is estimated that more than half of the 13 million Americans who have hypothyroidism, are not diagnosed, a condition that can significantly increase the risk for developing several health problems related to hypothyroidism, among them are high cholesterol levels which can lead t heart disease and stroke.

According to the findings of a survey examining the thyroid-cholesterol connection and conducted by The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), less than half of the people who have been diagnosed with high blood cholesterol levels have ever been tested for thyroid problems and more than 90 percent of the people in the survey were not aware of the major effect the thyroid has on cholesterol levels and regulation.

With high fat diet in the first place, Hypothyroidism is the second cause of high cholesterol levels and thyroid problems can cause problems with cholesterol regulation leading to elevated blood cholesterol that often cannot be easily treated with dietary changes. The thyroid gland is responsible for the metabolism process of the human cell and is located in the lower neck area. Problems with the thyroid gland can cause elevated cholesterol levels in the blood due to the fact that the thyroid is also responsible for regulating the production of cholesterol using its hormones. When the thyroid has some sort of malfunction the liver will often produce excessive amounts of cholesterol, which in turn will elevate the blood cholesterol levels to monstrous proportions. Moreover, when there are problems with Thyroid function the liver loses some of its ability to absorb back excess amounts of cholesterol in the blood.

It is important to conduct an Endocrinology test in addition tom a regular blood cholesterol test, to check for thyroid problems and proper thyroid function prior to the diagnosis of other causes for high cholesterol levels.