As of: January 30, 2024, 2:00 p.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
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Blood clots and vascular plaques due to elevated cholesterol levels can block blood vessels and lead to a dangerous embolism in the brain or heart.
Cholesterol generally has a negative reputation, although it is fundamentally important for the human body.
A lipid (fat), also known as cholesterol, cholesterol is an essential and protective component of the cell membrane.
However, if the cholesterol level in the blood and the vessel walls is too high, this can lead to serious health problems due to vascular calcification or arteriosclerosis.
Hardening of the arteries increases the risk of circulatory problems and thrombosis - the result can be a heart attack or stroke, as reported by the
German Heart Foundation e.
V.
explains.
How cholesterol promotes the risk of thrombosis and how high cholesterol levels in the body and possible consequences can be effectively reduced.
Lower cholesterol levels through certain foods
A healthy diet with little saturated fat in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil and fish lowers high cholesterol.
The “harmful” LDL cholesterol increases the risk of vascular occlusion and thrombosis
Excess LDL cholesterol can build up on the vessel walls, causing hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) and leading to complete blockage of the blood vessels.
Serious consequence: Thrombosis occurs, which means that organs can no longer receive sufficient blood supply.
If this happens in the carotid artery or coronary arteries, there is a risk of a stroke or heart attack.
© Lukiyanova Natalia/Imago
More than 80 percent of cholesterol is produced by the human body itself, mainly in the liver, but also in the intestines.
Only a small proportion of cholesterol is absorbed through food.
When measuring the cholesterol present in the blood, the focus is particularly on the so-called low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
The LDL cholesterol receptors on the liver cells regulate the cholesterol concentration in the bloodstream.
Too high a level of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in the blood and vessels increases the risk of serious secondary diseases.
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If the proportion of LDL cholesterol is persistently high over a longer period of time, there is a risk that cholesterol will be deposited on the vessel walls (arteriosclerosis) and will gradually lead to the vessels becoming blocked.
The result is insufficient blood flow to the organs.
If the cholesterol deposits detach from the vessel walls, thrombosis can occur, with possible consequences such as a heart attack or stroke.
High LDL cholesterol poses unnoticed dangers
Elevated blood fat levels, which can also be genetic, can go unnoticed in the body for a long time.
In many cases they are only recognized when serious consequences such as cardiovascular diseases have already occurred.
Change important lifestyle habits early on to prevent long-term consequences.
Skin changes and other physical signs can indicate high cholesterol over a long period of time with possible sequelae.
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What you can actively do to lower your cholesterol levels:
Regular exercise, at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week
Eat less fat and cholesterol-rich foods with saturated fatty acids such as butter, meat and sausages and eggs
Rely on a diet with unsaturated fatty acids such as those found in rapeseed and olive oil
Reduce smoking or, ideally, stop smoking.
Nicotine in cigarettes constricts the veins, increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Filter coffee lowers high cholesterol
If you like drinking coffee, it is best to prefer the filtered variety instead of unfiltered coffee.
The cafestol contained in coffee can increase LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
However, with filtered coffee, most of Cafestol remains in the filter.
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.