Stress takes a toll both physically and emotionally. An increasing number of studies are showing that stress can raise your level of bad cholesterol. Cholesterol contains HDL, or good cholesterol, which protects against heart attacks, and LDL, or bad cholesterol, which can build up in the heart and cause problems.

Varied Responses

A study reported in the November 2005 issue of Health Psychology found that patients' cholesterol responses to stress were varied. Cholesterol rose rapidly for some, while it changed very little for others.

Men

A study conducted at Ohio State University found that male pilots typically had higher levels of bad cholesterol after the stress of renewing their pilots' licenses.

Women

The same study at Ohio State University found that female pilots did not have higher levels of bad cholesterol after renewing their pilots' licenses. Researchers believe hormones are responsible for the difference between male and female cholesterol responses to stress.

Unhealthy Stress Responses

A report in the October 2004 issue of Prevention magazine explains how stress can contribute to unhealthy lifestyle choices, which may also raise your cholesterol. Binge eating, smoking and avoiding exercise are all common unhealthy stress responses.

Personality

Both studies mentioned above found links between the cholesterol response to stress and personality traits. People with more anxious personalities were found to have higher levels of bad cholesterol, while people who had traits like conscientiousness had more good cholesterol.

Source:

Ohio State University Research Archive

"Prevention" Magazine; The Stress-Cholesterol Connection; Paula Rasich; Oct. 5, 2004

"Medical News Today;" Mental Stress Raises Cholesterol Levels in Healthy Adults; Nov. 23, 2005

More Information:

Cholesterol: The Top 5 Foods to Lower Your Numbers