How Is High Cholesterol Different From Hypertension?

A variety of factors can influence cardiovascular health. Common concerns like dietary choices, not getting enough exercise, smoking, drinking too much, or even developing other seemingly unrelated conditions like diabetes can all impact the heart, blood vessels, and related parts of the body. Two specific cardiovascular diagnoses that can be very concerning include high cholesterol and high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Both conditions can put a strain on the heart and blood vessels. However, the 2 issues are very different. Knowing how hypertension differs from high blood pressure and how each can influence health outcomes is important.

Defining high blood pressure

Hypertension is a condition characterized by elevated force created by blood moving through the artery walls. When that force is consistently too strong, a person will be diagnosed with high blood pressure. Over time, blood vessel walls begin to weaken, developing small tears. While distinct from cholesterol, the damaged areas created by hypertension can also become clogged with cholesterol, which eventually hardens into plaque. When too much debris forms on the blood vessel walls, people are at risk of developing atherosclerosis, which is when the vessels narrow, restricting blood flow and increasing the potential for adverse health outcomes.

How cholesterol is different

While cholesterol can impact heart health, the term refers to a substance found in the blood vessels rather than a cardiac event. Specifically, cholesterol is a waxy material but can be beneficial in moderation. The substance is essential for building healthy cells, however if found in excess, people can become at risk for developing heart disease. As a result, cholesterol can be a contributing factor for patients diagnosed with hypertension. However, 2 types exist, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL is casually referred to as bad cholesterol since this type is the version most likely to contribute to harmful plaque buildup in the blood. HDL is usually known as the good type that is more easily flushed out of the body through the liver and can lower a person’s risk of both heart disease and stroke.

These diagnoses can be comorbidities

Although a person with hypertension won’t always be diagnosed with high cholesterol, research suggests that over 60% of people with high blood pressure will have both conditions. Because of the association, the two separate cardiac issues are viewed as comorbidities. According to recent data, 40% of US adults have cholesterol and of this group, almost half also have hypertension.

Get control of cardiac health

While genetic predisposition can heavily influence whether a person develops hypertension or high cholesterol, lifestyle choices can reverse outcomes. The two conditions are distinctively different, yet can also interact and create complications. Along with getting regular checkups, adopting a more active lifestyle, being mindful of food choices, and avoiding vices like smoking or limiting alcohol consumption can help people avoid cardiac events.