High blood lipid levels

Increased blood lipid levels

High or high blood lipid levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease such as coronary heart disease and heart attack. Therefore, regular blood tests are important in which cholesterol and triglycerides are measured. It promotes increased blood lipid levels through a diet rich in fat and meat, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, physical inactivity, overweight, as well as diseases such as diabetes mellitus or hypothyroidism. In some cases, hereditary equipment may be responsible for high blood lipid levels.

contents

definition
Symptom increased blood lipid levels
risk factors
diagnosis
Therapy for elevated blood lipid levels
Naturopathy and home remedies

definition

There is an increased concentration of certain fats in the blood, it is spoken of elevated blood lipid levels. Especially cholesterol and triglycerides are called in connection with unhealthy blood lipids, whereby they are harmless, as long as their concentration is in the normal range. Then they fulfill vital function in the body. Thus, cholesterol is an important component of the cell wall and is a precursor of hormones such as the sex hormone, vitamin D and bile acids.

Triglycerides are also referred to as neutral fats and make up the majority of dietary fats. They form the depot fat, which acts as an important source of energy, "cushioning" the organs such as the kidneys and has an insulating effect, protecting the body from the cold.

Especially the colloquially designated as "bad cholesterol" LDL cholesterol should be kept just like the tryglycerides in the normal range, as an increased concentration of this blood fat can lead to arteriosclerosis ("arteriosclerosis"). In contrast, HDL cholesterol ("good cholesterol") should be kept as high as possible, for example, through exercise and exercise.

Symptom increased blood lipid levels

High blood lipid levels do not cause discomfort over a long period of time. Often, high cholesterol and triglycidic levels are randomly detected in a blood test performed for a different reason, such as a general health check. In some cases, the diagnosis is made only when conditions such as arteriosclerosis are already well advanced as a result of elevated blood lipid levels.

Arteriosclerosis, also known colloquially as "arteriosclerosis", is a systemic disease of the arteries (arteries), in which deposits on the insides of the vessels occur, in which the blood is transported away from the heart. This gradually reduces the diameter of the arteries until the affected area is finally completely closed. Presumably, tiny injuries to the inner wall of the vessel cause the body's immune system to initiate complicated biochemical processes and deposit blood lipids, blood cells, connective tissue, and lime as so-called plaques. Especially sites of the vascular system, where vessels branch and the uniform flow of the blood is disturbed, are affected by the deposits. As a result, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, angina pectoris, renal insufficiency and circulatory disorders may occur.

Furthermore, increased lipid levels can lead to increased capsule tension due to excessive fat deposits in the organs, especially the liver (fatty liver) and spleen. Also known is the relationship between the formation of gallstones and elevated cholesterol levels. Gallstones are caused by an imbalance in the solution ratios of the components contained in bile, cholesterol, bilirubin and calcium, when they crystallize and form so-called concrements. In this way, the gallbladder is filled more and more until they block it, the bile duct or sometimes the duct of the pancreas. Among the causes are an oversupply of cholesterol from unhealthy food, but also a reduced degradation of cholesterol in the body as well as an insufficient intake of bile acids in the small intestine. Gallstones are usually noticeable by biliary colic, in which sufferers suffer from severe abdominal pain. Accompanying this may be nausea and vomiting, sweating and fever.

Highly elevated triglycerides can also be manifested by bouting attacks, which in some cases are accompanied by itchy skin lesions. Cholsterin deposits can also be found on the skin by so-called cutaneous xanthomas usually on the eyelids and below the eyes. It can also lead to deposition of cholesterol in the tendons. Most of the Achilles tendon and Fingerstrecksehnen are affected.

risk factors

Among the risk factors for elevated blood lipid levels include a high-fat and meat-rich diet, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. In addition, hereditary and other diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, familial hypercholesterolaemia and familial hyperchylomicronemia can lead to increased blood lipid levels.

diagnosis

The diagnosis of elevated blood lipid levels is made by a laboratory examination of the blood. In the fasted state, the patient is bled, which is then assayed for total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and, in some cases, other data.

The total cholesterol content can give only a first indication of a possible disorder or derailment of lipid metabolism. The decisive factor is the concentration of LDL and triglycerides, which have a detrimental effect on the vascular system. In contrast, an increased content of HDL cholesterol ("good cholesterol") has a positive effect.

Therapy for elevated blood lipid levels

Increased blood lipid levels can usually be prevented by a healthy and low-fat diet such as Mediterranean diet and exercise. Once the cholesterol and triglyceride levels have been increased, dietary supplements and sports can reduce blood lipids by about ten to fifteen percent. If this is not enough, medicines can be used to lower blood lipid levels in the blood. The intake of statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) inhibits the in-house production of cholesterol and also supports the absorption of LDL cholesterol in body cells.

As a result, the cholesterol level drops. Anion exchangers also reduce the concentration of cholesterol in the blood by binding bile acids in the gut and promoting increased conversion of cholesterol to bile acids. In order to lower triglyceride levels, inter alia fibrates and nicotinic acid derivatives are suitable. A machine blood wash outside the body may also be necessary in severe cases.

Naturopathy and home remedies

Elevated blood lipid levels are mostly due to unhealthy and high-fat foods. Those who want to control cholesterol and triglycides in a natural way should therefore check their dietary habits and focus on foods with a blood lipid lowering effect. Because ginger, garlic and many other spices and fruit and vegetables have a positive effect on elevated blood lipid levels.

Back in 2011, Florida State University researchers published a study demonstrating that patients could lower their LDL cholesterol levels by up to 23 percent by half an apple a day (75 grams) in the form of dried apple slices ate. This allows apples to compete with drugs to lower cholesterol levels. Pectins, which bind bile acids, are responsible for the blood lipid lowering effect of apples. As a result, the liver must form new bile acids, which are necessary for fat burning. It uses cholesterol in the body to reduce blood cholesterol.

Ginger is used in natural medicine for elevated blood lipid levels. His gingerols, according to scientific studies to promote the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids. Already two grams of ginger per day should therefore have a positive effect on the cholesterol level.

Garlic is also considered a "miracle cure" of natural medicine. The active ingredient alliin, which is contained in garlic, causes the inhibition of important enzymes of cholesterol synthesis. The here native native wild garlic even more pronounced effects on elevated blood lipid levels are said.

Legumes like peas are also suitable for a cholesterol-conscious diet. They contain so-called saponins, which bind cholesterol molecules in insoluble complexes so that they do not enter the bloodstream. On the other hand, they also bind to bile acids, so that the liver has to produce new bile acids and must use the existing cholesterol. As a result, cholesterol levels in the blood drop. The highest content of saponins contain chickpeas.

Vegetable oils from wheat germ, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame and soy contain many phytosterols, which also have a cholesterol-lowering effect as scientific studies prove. Olive oil also lowers LDL cholesterol.

Other foods that have a positive influence on blood lipid levels are green tea or semi-fermented oolong tea, which is believed to inhibit the absorption of dietary fat due to their tannins and saponins. Psyllium in psyllium affects the amount and composition of bile, thereby also reducing the level of cholesterol in the blood. In addition, nuts are said to have a blood lipid lowering effect, which is mainly due to their unsaturated fatty acids. Even dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 85 percent has a favorable effect on the fat metabolism. Their high content of polyphenols affects the HDL level in the blood, which increases the "good cholesterol". (Ag)