What does it mean to have low total cholesterol?
Disease description:
My friend previously had mild anorexia and felt generally weak. When she went to the hospital yesterday for a checkup, the results showed low total cholesterol levels and some degree of anemia. I'd like to know what might be causing this condition.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Causes of low total cholesterol:
1. Liver and biliary diseases, such as end-stage liver cirrhosis, may reduce essential components like enzymes required for cholesterol synthesis, thereby leading to low total cholesterol levels.
2. Endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism can significantly increase the rate of cholesterol breakdown, resulting in decreased total cholesterol.
3. Prolonged malnutrition, particularly in advanced stages of malignant tumors, insufficient nutrient intake or impaired digestion and absorption may also lead to reduced total cholesterol. Severe anemia is another possible cause of low total cholesterol.
Low total cholesterol has various potential causes, and diagnosis and treatment should be based on individual clinical circumstances.
