Alcohol and High Cholesterol

Cholesterol Management

Effects of Alcohol and High Cholesterol

Alcohol intake increases HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol), but does not lower LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol). Research studies have shown that HDL cholesterol can be raised, on average, by 4.0 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) with moderate alcohol consumption.

Drinking too much alcohol can:

Damage the liver and heart muscle
Lead to high blood pressure
Raise triglycerides.

With moderate alcohol consumption, triglyceride levels have been shown to increase by about 6 percent.

People who already have high triglycerides should avoid alcohol.

(Click Alcohol and High Blood Pressure to learn about the effects of alcohol on blood pressure.)

Alcohol and High Cholesterol: Other Effects

Alcohol can possibly have an impact on the effectiveness of cholesterol medication. Also, certain high cholesterol medicine can make a person tired or drowsy. Alcohol can add to these side effects. Talk with your doctor about alcohol and high cholesterol after reading this article. Together, you can decide what makes the most sense for your particular situation.

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