As of: January 30, 2024, 9:45 a.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
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To avoid dangerous consequences such as heart attacks and strokes caused by high cholesterol, you should have your values checked regularly.
Because too much blood fat does not cause any symptoms for a long time.
The two key ways to control your cholesterol levels are through diet and blood tests at the doctor.
What you eat has a huge impact on your cholesterol levels: Saturated fatty acids, which are found in most meat products, whole dairy products, convenience foods, and baked goods such as cakes and cookies, increase “harmful” LDL cholesterol.
While foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids such as those found in vegetables, nuts, olive oil and fish help lower cholesterol levels.
It is recommended that you have your cholesterol level checked regularly by a doctor using a complete blood count.
This is the only way to counteract long-term consequences such as arteriosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes caused by increased blood fat.
Cholesterol too high: How you can tell from your skin that something is wrong
Too much blood fat due to high LDL cholesterol can be noticeable as yellowish pimples on the face - so-called xanthomas - around the eyelids, on the arms, legs and buttocks.
© Zoonar.com/Lars Zahner/Imago
The so-called hypercholesterolemia with high LDL cholesterol levels is so dangerous because high cholesterol does not cause any noticeable symptoms for a long time and can unnoticed increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Change important lifestyle habits early on to prevent long-term consequences.
If skin changes first appear, i.e. visible deposits under the skin, this is a clear sign of very high blood fat.
In this case, you should visit your family doctor, an internist or dermatologist for an examination, including a request to have a blood test done to check your cholesterol levels.
If the suspicion of high cholesterol is confirmed, the doctor will advise you to adjust your diet as quickly as possible - Mediterranean foods have been very effective in reducing high cholesterol.
The skin symptoms that occur particularly on the face, around the eyelids, on the arms, legs and buttocks are so-called xanthomas, which are caused by excess fat in the vessels.
They visually resemble pimples and are usually raised yellowish.
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Other physical signs that can arise from high cholesterol over a long period of time include:
Aching legs
Tightness in the chest
fatigue
Disorders of consciousness
dizziness
Vision problems
Shortness of breath
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.