It is well established in the scientific literature that subclinical hypothyroid as well as frank hypothyroid are associated with increased levels of total cholesterol¹, LDL cholesterol², and lipoprotein(a).

Cholesterol is needed by every cell in your body. In cases of sluggish thyroid function the metabolic pace of your cells is reduced, meaning that less cholesterol is needed. As your LDL cholesterol (the UPS truck) attempts to make deliveries of cholesterol fragments to cells, there simply isn't adequate demand because of the slower metabolic rate.

This is another important angle on how cholesterol can become elevated. Improving the metabolic rate of cells enables them to use cholesterol at a higher level, thereby lowering this specific cholesterol problem.

Of course, the longer LDL and lipoprotein(a) are elevated the more likely they are to form plaque.