A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that high triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, as well as low HDL cholesterol, could play a major role in the severity of a COVID-19 infection.
If you needed another reason to improve cholesterol levels and keep them in check, here it is.
The study looked at more than 1,400 patients with COVID-19 and looked at their available lipid profile or took it during hospitalization. They found that lipid profiles were closely associated with the degree to which people were suffering from their infection.
This is not particularly surprising, given that high triglycerides and LDL are associated with inflammation and poor health. It is possible that the body’s energy to battle the effects of high cholesterol made it increasingly difficult to battle COVID.
Researchers noted that patients with higher levels of “good” HDL cholesterol and lower overall triglycerides were less likely to become extremely sick with the virus.
There are several ways you can get a handle on your cholesterol levels. A few medications can help, but ultimately the best strategy is living a lifestyle that promotes better heart health.
A healthy diet and active lifestyle can help reduce cholesterol and remove arterial blockages that put your heart, mind, and life at risk.
Foods to pay attention to include healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and avocado. These items are known to boost HDL cholesterol and provide benefits for heart health. HDL cholesterol helps remove “bad” LDL deposits from arteries.
Fiber and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables can also work wonders for cholesterol levels, as can whole grains. Do your best to limit sugar and processed foods, which are the main contributors to high cholesterol and atherosclerosis.