Blood lipids and high blood pressure
Many people with high blood pressure also have high blood lipid levels. To understand the connection, it's helpful to look more closely at the blood lipids and how they work.
Blood lipids include cholesterol and triglycerides. Cholesterol is divided into HDL and LDL cholesterol. Fats (lipids) are not water-soluble, so they don't dissolve in the blood; instead they are carried in the blood bound to protein molecules. That's why they're called lipoproteins.
HDL cholesterol
HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. HDL cholesterol is the smallest type of lipoprotein found in the body. It contains about 25 percent of the total cholesterol. Its job is to pick up excess cholesterol from body cells and carry it to the liver. In this way HDL cholesterol protects against hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and is therefore called "good" cholesterol.
HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. HDL cholesterol is the smallest type of lipoprotein found in the body. It contains about 25 percent of the total cholesterol. Its job is to pick up excess cholesterol from body cells and carry it to the liver. In this way HDL cholesterol protects against hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and is therefore called "good" cholesterol.
LDL cholesterol
LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein. LDL is the main transport vehicle for cholesterol in the blood. It carries cholesterol to the body's cells. LDL is considered the biggest risk factor for hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein. LDL is the main transport vehicle for cholesterol in the blood. It carries cholesterol to the body's cells. LDL is considered the biggest risk factor for hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are blood fats made of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids. High triglyceride levels, especially when combined with low HDL levels, pose a risk for atherosclerosis.
Triglycerides are blood fats made of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids. High triglyceride levels, especially when combined with low HDL levels, pose a risk for atherosclerosis.
A balanced ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids also helps keep blood lipid levels and blood pressure within a healthy range.
Hydrogenated vegetable fats should be avoided just like animal fats, because they also have a negative effect on blood lipid levels.
Sources
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-74518-8_2
- https://www.endokrinologie.net/pressemitteilung/erbliche-fettstoffwechselstoerung.php
- http://www.lipid-liga.de/wp-content/uploads/1007_Patientenratgeber_Fettstoffwechselstörungen-1.pdf
- https://www.msdmanuals.com/de-de/heim/hormon-und-stoffwechselerkrankungen/erkrankungen-des-cholesterinstoffwechsels/dyslipidämie
This article comes from BloodPressureDB – the leading app since 2011 that helps hundreds of thousands of people monitor their blood pressure every day.
Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based information and is continuously updated (as of 01/2026).
Author Sabine Croci is a certified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care. Since 2015 she has led the editorial team at BloodPressureDB. With additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder, and training in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably reviewed information.
Author Sabine Croci is a certified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care. Since 2015 she has led the editorial team at BloodPressureDB. With additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder, and training in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably reviewed information.
