Cholesterol and heartburn

Cholesterol is a lipid-based substance in our body. When you are suffering from high cholesterol, you might not see noticeable symptoms. Although, after a certain point it can lead to major heart diseases and stroke. Now, let us understand the relationship between cholesterol and heartburn. The two most common side effects shared by individuals who are obese are heartburn and high cholesterol. This happens when acid reverts from the stomach to the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in your chest area. 

How common is heartburn? 

Heartburn is a common condition seen in patients. However, if the patient is suffering from severe heartburn, it can be an indication of a chronic acid flux disorder called GERD. If you are diagnosed with the same thing, talk to a doctor.

Causes of Cholesterol and heartburn

Heartburn caused by cholesterol is a very common condition seen in patients who are overweight. For some people, Cholesterol and heartburn can be caused by certain lifestyle habits. They take too much stress, eat too close to bedtime. Do remember drinking and consuming foods that trigger heartburn can worsen the symptoms. Hence, heartburn after taking a cholesterol-rich diet is a reason to acquire this disorder.  Other than this there are quite a few medical conditions that can cause acid reflux and make you feel heartburn –

Symptoms of Cholesterol and heartburn

Heartburn feels like a burning sensation in the chest. When you are having heartburn you may also feel symptoms like –

  • Pain in your chest increases when you bend down or lay down.
  • A burning feeling in your throat.
  • A burning feeling in the chest for hours.
  • A sour, acidic taste in the back of the throat.
  • Problem with swelling.

Cholesterol and acidity

You might think, is there any relation between cholesterol and acidity?  The answer is yes. People who are suffering from GERD are more likely to end up with heart diseases. They are at higher risk to develop plague in the wall of the arteries. Leading to diminished blood gush to the heart. The patients need to be aware that diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels are known to increase heart disease risk. 

Researchers suggest that patients with coronary heart disease are twice as likely to have been previously diagnosed with acid reflux. Scientists aren’t sure why there is a relation between GERD and heart disease. Some predict that the proximity of the heart to the esophagus can cause the effect.

However, GERD can be managed by monitoring few conditions  

  • Avoid intake of chocolates, coffee, and spicy food.
  • Reduce the consumption of tomato products
  • Stop smoking
  • Control your weight if you are an obese
  • Reduce consumption of alcohol

Cholesterol and gallbladder 

Cholesterolosis is this order that affects the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped small organ located under the liver.  The function of the gallbladder is to store the bile and turn cholesterol and fats into cholesteryl esters to help in the digestion of food. These cholesteryl esters allow fatty acids to be transported from the body to the blood. Cholesterolosis happens when there is a buildup of cholesteryl esters. These clasp to the walls of the gallbladder forming polyps.   

This disorder is more commonly seen in adults than children.  It can be either diffused or localized. Diffuse cholesterolosis means that there are a group of polyps, and localized cholesterolosis means there are individual polyps.  Diffuse cholesterolosis is also known as strawberry gallbladder.

In most cases, the patients are not aware that they have cholesterolosis unless an imaging test of the gallbladder is performed.  It can be controlled by reducing weight, controlling a cholesterol-rich diet, quitting smoking, and reducing the consumption of alcohol. 

Cholesterol and gastritis 

Researchers suggest that mild inflammation provoked by H pylori infection is associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, some studies could not confirm this link. The underlying mechanism of how H pylori infection promotes the development of cardiovascular disease is still unclear. Change in blood cholesterol levels such as elevated low-density lipoprotein and decreased high-density lipoprotein are major risk factors for heart disease.  

Studies have indicated that lipid metabolism can affect diabetes, alcohol consumption, and hormonal balance. Moreover, it can play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. H Pylori is a gram-negative bacteria that colonies the gastric mucosa and causes ulcer, cancer, and chronic gastritis. The patients suffering from high cholesterol and gastritis are most likely to show symptoms including 

Do remember, gastritis can get worse if the patient continues to drink alcohol, eat spicy food, or smoke. Instead, it is suggested to drink green tea with raw honey. Don’t worry gastritis is not a life-threatening condition. If treated at an initial stage, it improves quickly. 

Treatment of high cholesterol

The best way to reduce your cholesterol levels to normal is to make changes in your diet and lifestyle. Down below we have listed some points to avoid heartburn-

  • Reduce the cholesterol, trans and saturated fat in the diet.
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat more water-soluble fruits and vegetables
  • Reduce weight if you are an obese
  • Reduce consumption of alcohol 
  • Quit smoking 

FAQs 

Can people suffer from heartburn after cholesterol?

Yes, people might face heartburn and GERD after cholesterol. Usually, symptoms of cholesterol are not shown unless the condition gets severe. In those cases the fat deposits on the skin and causes digestive problems like acid reflux, heartburn, GERD, and stomach pain. 

Can high cholesterol cause stomach issues?

There are no visible symptoms of high cholesterol in the blood, and the condition is very severe. In those cases, the fat can deposit in the tendons and skin. Leading to severe pain due to an enlarged spleen. If you are facing such stomach problems get an appointment for an online dr chat.

What is gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is a part of medicine which concentrates on the digestive system and its diseases. Physicians who are practicing in this field are known as gastroenterologists. 

Are stomach ulcers dangerous?

Complications and severity seen in stomach ulcers are relatively uncommon. But they can be serious and can lead to life-threatening disorders, if not treated. The main complication is bleeding at the site of the ulcer.