If the cholesterol levels in the body are too high, it can be life-threatening. The body can only notice the too high values to a limited extent.
Cholesterol is an important component of many cells in the body. Without cholesterol, for example, it would not be possible for the body to produce certain hormones. In order to transport cholesterol from cell to cell, the body has to pack the fat into small packages. In combination with this transport molecule, different types of cholesterol are formed. The best known are LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. If the cholesterol levels in the body are too high, this is not noticeable for the time being. Only at extremely high values do physical signs become visible.
Causes of elevated cholesterol levels
Blood pressure also tells us something about cholesterol levels. (Symbolic image) © Philipp Nemenz/Imago
Too high an LDL cholesterol level increases the risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease later on. Causes of high cholesterol are versatile. Often it is the combination of several reasons why the value climbs upwards. Triggers are, for example:
- Overweight
- Diabetes
- little movement
- poor nutrition
- Smoke
- Hypofunction of the thyroid gland
- Rheumatism
- Genetic
In the case of a drug treatment of cholesterol levels, an entire change in life is therefore usually recommended. Vegetables, nuts, fruits and oils with a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids should therefore often end up on the plate. On Cholesterol Day, June 3, attention should also be drawn to this.
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Physical signs only in case of severe deterioration
The dangerous thing about high cholesterol levels is, among other things, that the body hardly gives clear signs if the values are not correct. According to the Health Information Service, a harmful cholesterol level is only visible if it is hereditary and very high. Then the body may have the following three signs:
In these cases, those affected should consult a doctor immediately. If you are over 35 years old, you are entitled to a general examination by your family doctor every three years, during which your cholesterol levels should also be examined. This is usually done by measuring blood pressure and examining the urine. People under the age of 35 can have this general examination done once from the age of 18.
This article contains only general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.
