Chronic stress can trigger changes in your body that can increase cholesterol levels. People at risk of heart disease from high cholesterol may benefit from stress management techniques.

Stress and high cholesterol can both increase your chance of heart attack and stroke. Some research suggests that these two risk factors may be linked.

There are so-called “good” (HDL) and “bad” (LDL) cholesterols. When bad cholesterol is too high, it can build up in your arteries. This affects how blood flows to your brain and your heart, which could cause a stroke or heart attack.

Scientists think that chronic (long-term) stress can play a role in increasing cholesterol levels. Keep reading to learn more about the possible links between stress and cholesterol.

Compelling evidence suggests that chronic stress can lead to increased cholesterol levels and related cardiovascular problems, like atherosclerosis.

Researchers think this may be due to cortisol, a hormone your body releases in response to stress. High cortisol levels from long-term stress can have negative health consequences, such as affecting how your body metabolizes cholesterol.

Stress may also cause your body to release adrenaline, another hormone. These hormones can trigger a “fight or flight” response to help manage the stress. This response will then trigger triglycerides, which can boost LDL cholesterol.

Stress can also damage the endothelial layer of arteries, a single layer of cells that lines the inside walls of your arteries. Endothelial damage can contribute to atherosclerosis and heart attacks.

Research also suggests that stress can affect eating habits. A 2022 systematic review found that people who experienced stress were more likely to eat unhealthy foods and less likely to eat healthy foods.

Hormones like cortisol cause you to seek out foods high in fat or sugar. Eating a lot of saturated and trans fats contributes to higher LDL levels.

Regardless of the reasons, multiple studies show a positive correlation between high stress and high cholesterol. While other factors can contribute to high cholesterol, stress seems to be a significant risk factor.

Who’s at risk of high cholesterol?

While diet and lifestyle factors, like stress, strongly contribute to high cholesterol, other factors also play a significant role. Other risk factors for high cholesterol include:

If you’re 20 years old or older and have not had a heart problem, the American Heart Association recommends checking your cholesterol every 4 to 6 years. You may need to check it more often if you have other risk factors.

» MORE: 3 Best Home Cholesterol Tests

Long-term chronic stress is more damaging to your health and cholesterol than brief, short-term periods of stress. Lowering stress over time can help prevent cholesterol problems. It may also promote healthier eating habits that reduce your risk of high cholesterol.

A 2024 review notes that stress management techniques can improve cardiovascular health. Suggested techniques include:

  • Regular exercise: In addition to reducing stress, exercise also helps your lipid profile.
  • Meditation: A 2024 research review found a link between regular meditation and lower triglycerides and cholesterol.
  • Yoga: A 2022 review of 53 studies linked yoga to lower LDL and higher HDL levels.
  • Deep breathing: Breathing techniques can positively affect cardiovascular health, even if they don’t directly influence cholesterol levels. For example, a 2024 study found that mindful breathing can reduce blood pressure, which can significantly reduce heart disease risk in people with high cholesterol.

Managing stress, whether brief or ongoing, can be difficult for many people. Therapy with a trained psychologist can also provide new techniques to help patients manage stress.

While stress management is important for a healthy lipid profile, research suggests that reducing stress may not be enough to prevent or reverse high cholesterol. A 2022 research review notes that cholesterol levels often remain high even after reducing stress.

Other key treatment approaches to help you manage high cholesterol include:

Alternative remedies you may try to reduce cholesterol include:

Whether using prescription medications or alternative supplements, always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Even if they’re natural, small changes in a treatment plan can interfere with medications or supplements you’re already taking.

There’s a correlation between high stress and high cholesterol, so whether your cholesterol levels are great or need lowering, maintaining a low stress level can be helpful.

If stress is affecting your overall health, consult a healthcare professional. They can advise you on an exercise program, a healthy diet, and medications if necessary. They may also refer you to a therapist to learn stress management techniques, which can be extremely beneficial.